EPISODE 137
Most danger doesn’t come from strangers
Part of our mission here at Tactical Tangents is to overcome the “tactical fantasy”, and in this episode Mike and Jim talk about avoiding one of the most pernicious ones. It’s easy in a world full of tacticool training classes to get focused on the sort of threats to ourselves and loved ones that jump out of the bushes and can be thwarted with kinetic skills, when the truth is you probably already know the person you’re most likely to have to pepper spray.
The statistical fact of the matter is that most victimization comes from people who look like us and are already in our social circles. That’s extra true about sex crimes, and super extra true about sex crimes against children. Tune in as we discuss teaching ourselves, loved ones, and especially our kids about understanding social norms, establishing boundaries, and the importance of informing someone in authority.
Links:
The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker
Protecting the Gift by Gavin de Becker
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): Grooming: Know the Warning Signs
McMartin Pre-School Trial
They Must Be Monsters: A Modern-Day Witch Hunt
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Intro music credit Bensound.com
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