Avoidance refers to decisions or actions which decrease
exposure to violent crime.
Essentially there are two types of avoidance. The first involves advance decisions to avoid certain places or people because of the risk of being victimized. Simply stated, it means avoiding risky situations. Examples include staying out of the dangerous parts of town where crime is high or abstaining from going to a bar known to be patronized by disorderly types.
The second type of avoidance is the act of identifying a potential threat and removing oneself from the situation before it has a chance to develop. Since awareness is a prerequisite of this type of avoidance, it is discussed further in that section.
Self Protection: The Art of Preventative Self-DefenseAvoid Threats
Avoiding a bad situation is much better than having to respond to it. But what are you trying to avoid? Primarily you should avoid dangerous people. Who is dangerous? If a person is known to engage in criminal or immoral acts, or regularly associates with people who do, avoid them.
One way you can find out if someone you don't know well is a dangerous person is to do some basic investigating. Talk to people who know the person. Listen if they tell you he is abusive, controlling, if he's a cheater, or is a drug user or alcoholic. Take heed when they say someone has anger issues. These red flags should tell you clearly to avoid the person, especially if you hear it from more than one source. Check out their social media. Do they post a log of negative stuff? Is it full of selfies (indication of self-centeredness)
Depending on the situation consider performing a background check. For a nominal fee you can go to a website like www.intelius.com and find a log of information on a person. Check the national sex offender registry if this person is to be around your children.
Some characteristics of people to avoid:
-Lack of empathy for others; doesn't seem to care about other people's welfare or feelings.
-Selfishness-puts his or her wants and needs above everyone else's.
-Hostile masculinity-Macho/aggressive and dominant or controlling personality.
-Emotional constriction
-Demeaning or belittling- puts others down
-Making statements like "Nobody will ever love you like I do"
Hiding In Plain Sight: Deceptive Tactics And The Criminal Victimization Process
