In the first few moments of an attack, you should use what to make the attacker give up and flee?

• A. Strong Resistance
• B. Calm dialogue
• C. Walk away
• D. Hide

Answer: (A)

Deterrence in the first moments of an attack comes from showing you’re not an easy target. Strong resistance immediately blocks the attacker’s plan and signals that you will not submit passively. When resistance is clear and forceful, the attacker faces increased effort and risk, which often leads them to abort and flee. This approach buys you time to create distance, escape, or call for help. While calm dialogue or stepping back can help in some situations, during a sudden attack they’re less reliable because they may allow the aggressor to close in or continue the threat. Walking away or hiding can leave you without the opportunity to deter or escape effectively if escape routes aren’t available. So, using strong resistance early on is the best way to disrupt the attack and create a chance to break contact safely.