What Attackers Do Before They Attack You

How to Recognise the Behaviour Leading Up to Violence

Most attackers don’t warn you before they strike.

They don’t raise their fists.

They don’t square up.

They don’t give you a chance to prepare.

They just attack.

That’s why understanding the behaviours that often occur before violence is so important. These aren’t “warnings” in the traditional sense—no one’s going to shout, “I’m going to hit you!” These are subtle cues, patterns, and movements that trained eyes can pick up on just moments before something happens.

Recognising these behaviours gives you a massive advantage. It allows you to create space, reposition, prepare mentally, or escape—all before a punch is thrown or a knife is pulled.

Below are the most common behaviours attackers display right before they strike—and how to respond using the A.A.E.E.L self-defence code: Assess, Action, Ethical, Escape, Legal.

1. Scanning the Area

Before committing to an attack, most criminals check their surroundings.

They’re looking to see if:

Anyone is watching,

CCTV is nearby,

There’s a quick escape route.

This “scanning” is often subtle: side glances, shifting on their feet, or pacing back and forth. If you see someone repeatedly checking around in a suspicious way, pay attention—they may be about to act.

2. Closing the Distance

An attacker can’t strike if they’re too far away, so they’ll try to close the gap—often with deception.

They may:

Ask for the time,

Pretend to know you,

Ask for help.

If someone you don’t know moves into your personal space without reason, that’s a red flag. Most violent acts begin within arm’s reach.

3. Target Selection

Attackers look for victims who appear:

Distracted,

Timid or insecure,

Alone or isolated.

They avoid confident, alert people.

Walking tall, keeping your head up, and making brief eye contact can often be enough to make them move on.

4. The Interview Phase

This is a psychological test where the attacker “feels out” a potential target.

They might say:

“Got a lighter?”

“Can I use your phone?”

“Do you know the time?”

It seems innocent, but they’re checking how you respond—whether you’re assertive, passive, or distracted. If it feels “off,” trust your instinct and stay sharp.

5. Positioning for Advantage

Attackers often try to place themselves in a better position before launching an attack:

To your side,

Behind you,

Between you and the exit.

Some even use accomplices to distract you while another person moves in from an angle. If someone seems to be intentionally cutting off your space, it’s time to reposition and prepare.

6. Display of Aggression or Dominance

This includes:

Clenched fists,

Flaring nostrils,

Puffed chest,

Sudden staring or raising their voice.

These are primal, often unconscious, intimidation tactics designed to make you freeze or back down. If you notice a shift like this, don’t ignore it.

7. Sudden Change in Behaviour

This is when a person’s entire energy or body language shifts quickly—often right before they attack.

Look for:

Going from friendly to silent,

A sudden stop in conversation,

Shaking or tensing up.

That moment of “off” energy could be your last chance to react before something happens.

8. Concealed Hands or Hidden Objects

If someone keeps one or both hands:

In their hoodie,

Behind their back,

In a pocket or under clothing…

…they may be hiding a weapon. Never assume it’s harmless. Hands are what cause damage—if you can’t see their hands, you can’t see the danger.

9. Fidgeting or Touching the Waistband

This is one of the most overlooked but most dangerous signs. Constantly adjusting their waistband or side could mean they’re:

Hiding a knife,

Carrying a concealed weapon,

Readying themselves for an attack.

It’s a nervous and often automatic movement. If you spot it—create distance and prepare to act.

How to Respond: The A.A.E.E.L Code

When faced with a potential threat, your mindset and actions matter.

The A.A.E.E.L code gives you a clear structure to follow in real time:

A – Assess

Who is near you?

What are they doing?

Is there a clear exit?

Are they displaying any of the above behaviours?

A – Action

Move to a safer position.

Create distance and prepare yourself mentally.

If necessary, be ready to defend.

Attack defend, pre-emptive strike

E – Ethical

Don’t escalate the situation unnecessarily.

Use only as much force as is needed to protect yourself.

Think clearly—don’t act out of ego or anger.

E – Escape

Always try to escape as soon as it’s safe to do so.

You don’t need to “win” a fight—you just need to survive it.

Getting away is always a success.

L – Legal

Make sure your response is legally justifiable.

In the UK, “reasonable force” is allowed for self-defence.

Report serious incidents and cooperate with authorities if needed.

Final Thought

Most attackers won’t give you the chance to prepare.

They won’t raise their fists.

They won’t give you a countdown.

They’ll just strike.

But by understanding these pre-attack behaviours, you can spot the threat before it becomes violence—and use your training, awareness, and mindset to stay safe.

Stay alert. Stay calm. Stay ready.