There are two basic types of predators with regard to self-protection.

•       Resource Predator

A Resource Predator wants something and has decided to get it from his victim. They are willing to use violence, but will often only threaten violence if they believe that intimidation will work on its own. Muggings are acts of a Resource Predator.

•       Process Predator

For the Process Predator, the act of violence is the reason itself. The crime is the goal. Serial killers are Process Predators.

Thankfully, the chances of meeting these predators are low, with Resource Predators being the most likely to be encountered.

It is essential to separate the types because the process and goals of the assault are different. The Process Predator requires time and privacy for what they intend to do. Depending on the situation, the Process Predator may attempt to relocate the victim to a more private location.

There is no good outcome from a predator wanting to spend private time with you. The fact that they are attempting to move you to a secondary location is a good indicator that you are probably dealing with a Process Predator. If you do not end the situation, it is likely to escalate dramatically with tragic consequences. This is why you should never let yourself be taken to a secondary location. You should cause as much trouble/noise at the primary location because that is probably an area with witnesses, which is why the predator wants to move you. You must not believe that you will be able to rationalise or bargain with the predator on the way to or at the secondary location.

With a Resource Predator, you can usually give up the resource—your money, your phone, whatever — and the situation is resolved. They usually give you a choice: hand over the item or be hurt.

With the Process Predator, what you would have to give up is yourself.

The scariest people are not necessarily the most dangerous, and the inverse is also true.

If you look at a line-up of serial killers, they tend to be among the most physically unimpressive people you can imagine. In general, the people who work out, get aggressive neck tattoos and walk around staring at everyone are trying to scare people away from them. They display their aggression a mile away, so you get to see them coming and avoid them.

The ones you have to worry about are the quiet, unassuming ones, the ones who slip under the radar.