A home invasion can be frightening for you and your family. How do you react to this situation? In practical terms, it is often a burglary by an ill-intentioned person, or a conflict between neighbors that gets out of hand. These are the three main reasons for such a situation.
This phenomenon, which unfortunately is becoming more and more common, can cause victims to develop a sense of fear and lead to psychological disorders. However, some precautions and a good preparation can help us face this problem more peacefully.
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What are the precautions to take to avoid a home invasion?
First of all, although it makes sense, always lock your front door. This is obvious, but not everyone does it. Secondly, today there are more and more intrusion alarm systems and additional surveillance systems you can buy. These technologies scare off your attacker before he even comes face to face with you.
According to a study, nearly 95% of attackers leave as soon as the alarm rings.
Finally, do not open your door to a stranger, if at all possible. Before doing anything else, ask someone you don’t know to introduce themselves.
How to react to a home invasion?
When an intruder breaks into your home, he usually intend to harm you or your family. That is why you must react quickly and intelligently. Be careful, quick doesn’t mean hasty! If you are attacked in the street, it is advisable to flee if you are alone. At home, it is a little different, because you will probably have to face the problem. In which case, you should be prepared.
What is the right attitude to adopt?
First thing first: analyze the situation. Is the aggressor armed? Does he intend to attack you directly? What are the real risks? Is there a possibility that the situation will escalate?
Although they seem simple, these questions are not easy to answer when you are overwhelmed by your emotions, especially fear or stress. If the abuser is after your money, don’t fight him, give it to him. If the abuser is violent or has other ideas, such as raping you, you must fight back.
Here are two mistakes you should not make if you are attacked at home:
- Underestimate your attacker. Whether he is short, skinny, drunk, it doesn’t matter, he can be dangerous.
- Become aggressive in your turn and overestimate yourself. He will be even more on guard.
What does the law say about self defense?
If you have no choice but to defend yourself against an aggressor, you must keep in mind some basic rules in order to be able to plead self defense. Indeed, there is a good chance that the case will end up in court, especially after you have made a complaint. The public prosecutor will have to determine the circumstances. So, never forget that the penal code accepts self defense only if:
- you or a loved one has been the victim of an unfair, immediate and real attack,
- your reaction is proportionate to the attack, and immediate.
In other words, you must counterattack with the same intensity as your attacker (if he attacks you with his bare hands, do not use a weapon), immediately after the attack (not when his back is turned when he leaves the place) and if the attack is real, i.e. you are subjected to violence (insults and threats are not considered self defense).
Self defense: the best option
To defend yourself without risking making the situation worse, it’s best to have some basic self defense skills or to know the gestures that save lives. On the one hand, you will be much more reassured on a daily basis for you and your loved ones, and you will better control your stress when faced with such a situation. An assault at home can be surprising, so it’s best to know exactly what to do.
It’s time to learn how to respond to this and other criminal offenses that the perpetrator may face. Without even learning how to fight, the most important thing is to know how to defend yourself in the event of a home invasion, to neutralize the attacker without endangering his health or his life. The police will take care of the rest.
