Deputies Arrest Man For Sexually Assaulting Real Estate Agent

My stomach turned as I read the headline.,.

“Deputies Arrest Man For Sexually Assaulting Real Estate Agent”

My blood boiled as I read the comments…

• real buyers don’t go to open houses, stop wasting your time
• she should have been prepared
• this would have never happen to me, I carry mace/pistol/knife
• I’m not so sure this lady didn’t get jiggy with ol grandpa and got embarrassed when somebody else walked up
• I’ve seen the way real estate agents dress…
• that’s why you don’t host an open house next to a trailer park

As I laid in bed, tossing and turning — my head reeled in agony for the victim, raged towards the keyboard fools, and desired gut-wrenching vengeance on the attacker

There was no way I could sleep, so I prayed…

I praised Him for her strength, courage, fight, and healing… I asked forgiveness for my thoughts, requested empathy for the keyboard warriors, and wisdom to protect those I love

______

Just curious…

Have you ever been scared?? Not “I heard a noise” anxious, or “I’m terrified of clowns” phobias, I’m talking about adrenaline rushing, heart pounding, can’t catch your breath, information overload, time stands still scared?? When your conscious brain shuts down, information ceases to process, and your body enters the fight-flight-fawn response??

Now… go back, and think about that moment

Hindsight says “I should have done that…”, foresight says “I will do this…”, but in reality — those conscious thoughts did not come at that moment, did they?

So my question is, acknowledging instincts determine our response in the moment — not us, how will you prevent the moment?

Here are THREE WAYS to prevent an assault:

• Partner Up:
• – criminals are 80–90% less likely to follow through with an attack when there is a second adult present [FBI crime behavior analysis]
• – less than 3% of violent crimes occurred when the victim was with another adult [UK study of street crimes]
• Stay Vigilant:
• – trust your gut — always
• – create a quick-exit strategy [park facing “out”, prevent being blocked in, unlock potential exit doors, keep your keys in your hand]
• – stay aware [stay off your phone, keep your “head on a swivel”, make eye contact]
• Protect Your Boundaries:
• – prioritize your safety over another’s opinion — you’re not being rude
• – when you feel in danger, yell — FAST [most predators count on fear and submission]
• – don’t overshare — keep the conversation guarded
• – maintain a safety buffer [do not allow others to stand behind you or block doorways]

______

And for those of you carrying [mace, pistol, taser, knife, baton, etc], consider testing your fight-flight-fawn response in a safe environment [your local martial arts gym, law enforcement agency, church gym, etc]

Here’s how…

Purchase a replica of your weapon [similar size, weight, shape, etc], dress in your everyday wear, holster the replica weapon [purse, pocket, keychain, holster, etc], stand on a padded floor [trust me — this is important], have a healthy and intimidating man stand eight feet away, then ask for him to charge and tackle you

Do this weekly. Get comfortable in the adrenaline rush. Learn to pull, aim, and discharge your weapon under pressure. Practice freeing yourself from an attacker on the ground. Settle in. Allow your body to face the fear, and train it to maintain some level of awareness

STAY AWARE. STAY SAFE.