It is the ultimate Self Defence strategy. Situational intelligence is the name we give to a concept that is focused on preventing difficult or dangerous situations from occurring, but also having a plan and a strategy for dealing with them if they do occur.

Situation Intelligence operates on an event timeline. This concept is borrowed from military 'left of bang' thinking, which separates preparation, prevention, and response on an event timeline. The 'Bang' is the event, such as an act of aggression or a threat. Left of bang is everything on the timeline up to the event.

Right of bang is after the event. Our goal is to stay 'Left of Bang,' which is to deliberately act to prevent a situation from occurring, and in the Right of Bang, to have prepared to maximize safety and minimize harm or damage.

1. Data and Analysis

This step is about gathering information and making sense of it. Sources of information will vary, but can include word of mouth, seeking expert advic or formal advisories

The goal is to understand a person, situation or event as much as possible

2. Anticipation

Here we explore the possibilities. We look at events that could occure that we need to prevent or prepare for , Our goal is assess potential problems before they could go wrong

 

3. Preparation

Preparation involves doing everything we can to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. It also means developing and practising strategies and tactics for the issues we might face. A core part of preparation is identifying clear action triggers—specific signals that tell us when to move, change behaviour, or exit.

 

4. Awareness

Awareness is our “live mode” of self-defence. It means paying attention to what is happening around us, noticing changes, and picking up on anomalies. 3 key tools are instintcs, ACE Strategy, Boundary Contriol

Trust You Instincts

Trusting your instincts means noticing discomfort and treating it as information. If something feels off or out of place, respond to it. Increase distance, observe more closely, or leave.

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ACE strategy: Access, Control, Exits.

• Access: Who has physical access to us? Who can reach us or influence us?
• Control: Who controls the environment? What physical features (layout, bottlenecks, crowds) might restrict our movement?
• Exits: Where are the exits? What are our exit criteria? Do we have clear, easy access to leave if required?

If our control over ACE weakens, we take action to restore safety or leav,e

Boundary Controls

Be very aware of someone attempting to encroach on your personal space (2-3 feet) with no good reason. If you are uncomfortable, recover the space, bring your hands up ask them to step back. When moving about consciously review you environment and be aware of everyone within 10m , as much as possible.

Colour Codes

Activate use colour codes to assess your environment, we use Green for safe, Amber for moderate risk Red for High Risk. As time passes repeatedly check in on the colour for your situation. If amber, maintain awareness and alertness; if Red, act to make your situation safer or leave

5. Action

Action is our willingness and ability to act when needed. It includes clear communication, calm decision-making, creating space, moving to safety, escaping, and, if ecessary, physical self-defence. Action is where planning and awareness become real behaviour that protects us.

Situational Intelligence in Action..  How to Apply the Idea to Every  Life

 

Scenario: Vacation Planning

Data & Analysis

Start by understanding where you’re going.

Check the reputation of the area, ask people who have travelled there, and read local news or forums. Look at official travel advice from government bodies.

Be aware of local customs, laws, dress expectations, alcohol rules, and any cultural norms that might affect you.

 

Anticipation

Think ahead about what could realistically go wrong.

Losing your wallet or phone, forgetting where your accommodation is, getting separated from your group, or encountering street harassment or aggressive solicitation.

Anticipation helps you shape your plans so these events are less likely to derail your trip.

 

Preparation

Put simple strategies in place before problems occur.

Back up your phone, photocopy important documents, and leave copies with someone you trust.

Plan reliable transport options, book reputable tours, and decide how you will communicate if someone gets lost.

Preparation gives you control long before you arrive.

 

Awareness

Once on the ground, stay switched on.

Notice the people around you, especially anyone who becomes intrusive or overly interested.

Pay attention to changes in the environment, your own instincts, and anything that feels “off.”

Awareness keeps small issues from becoming big ones.

 

Action

Have clear actions ready if anything starts to go wrong.

Know how you will leave a location, agree meeting points with companions, and be willing to tell someone firmly to leave you alone.

Always know how you will get home, and never allow anyone to isolate you, restrain you, or move you to another location.

 

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Situational Intelligence in Action: Going on a Date

Data & Analysis
Before meeting someone, gather the basics. Know who you’re meeting, where you're going, and what the environment is like. Choose public, busy locations for early dates. Check transport options to and from the venue.

Anticipation
Think ahead about the small things that could create risk or discomfort:

• The date becoming awkward or pressurised
• Alcohol affecting judgment
• Losing track of your surroundings
• Being isolated from public spaces

Preparation
Put simple, practical plans in place before you leave. Keep your phone charged, bring only what you need, and organise your own transport so you can leave at any time.

Choose a location and time that suits you , consider shorter and more public for first/early dates.

Let someone you trust know where you’ll be and when you expect to check in.

Share your location with a friend or set a check‑in time. If you prefer, use a simple code phrase you can text if you want them to call you.

Decide on your personal action triggers—clear signals that tell you when to leave or change course.

Awareness
During the date, stay switched on in a relaxed way. Notice how your date behaves: Do they respect boundaries? Do they listen? Are they too intense, unpredictable, or pushy? How do they act with others.

Pay attention to the environment—where the exits are, who is paying attention to you, and any shifts in mood or behaviour. Trust early discomfort signals.

Action
Have clear, simple actions ready. If something feels wrong, you leave—directly and without debate. Use staff, security, or a friend if needed.

Communicate calmly but firmly: “I’m heading off now. Have a good evening.”
Do not allow the other person talk you out of leaving if you want to leave.
Never allow someone to move you to an isolated location, take your phone, block your exit, or pressure you into anything you are not comfortable with.

Data & Analysis
Start by understanding the basics. Who is hosting the sleepover? Do you know the family, their home, and their general approach to supervision?

Has this type of event happned before? if so what information is availaable
How many teens will be there, and what is the plan for the evening?
Gather enough information to form a clear picture of the environment your teenager will be in.

Anticipation
Think ahead about realistic challenges: unsupervised time, late-night social pressure, unplanned /uninvited attendance, alcohol or vaping, phones and privacy, or teens leaving the house.

Anticipation gives you a calm way to explore what might come up so you can prepare your teen without alarming them.

Preparation
Put simple structures in place. Speak with the host parent to confirm supervision, rules, and drop off/pickup arrangments.

Set clear expectations with your teen about behaviour, boundaries, and phone use. Agree on check-in points, a code phrase they can use if they want to be collected early, and your trigger for stepping in. Have a 'no contact' trigger, explain to your teen you actions if they do not contact you as agreeed,

Make sure your teen knows they can call you at any time—no judgment. Have an early exit trigger..eg alocohol/uninvited attendees.

Awareness
During the evening, stay connected . Keep your phone close. Pay attention to any updates from your teen or the host parent. Trust your instinct if something feels off—changes in tone, messages that feel unusual, or unexplained silence.

Action
If your teen signals discomfort or wants to leave, act quickly and without drama.
Pick them up immediately and debrief. If the situation changes—unexpected guests, lack of supervision, or safety concerns—take decisive action. Your goal is simple: ensure your teen is safe while supporting their independence.

 

Closing Thoughts: Living with Situational Intelligence

 

 

Situational Intelligence is the skill of paying attention to your world in a deliberate, informed way. It gives you the same advantages that professionals rely on: time, clarity, and options.

 

When we gather information, anticipate challenges, prepare well, stay aware, and take early action when needed, we shift from being potential victims to being active protectors of ourselves and the people we care about.

Small choices—where we sit, who has access to us, how we plan, what we notice—shape outcomes long before anything becomes a problem.

 

The examples in this guide show how these principles apply everywhere: travel, dating, social events, parenting, daily life. Situational Intelligence is not a special skill for special people. It is a practical, human approach anyone can use to create safer, calmer, more enjoyable experiences.

 

The goal is simple: Protect Yourself like a professional