Impact Factors
While interpreting the subject’s behaviour, one should consider impact factors (situational factors that render a situation more or less dangerous).
| Table 1: Impact Factors | |
| Impact Factors | Description |
| Gender/age/size/strength | Relative size compared to yours |
| Previous knowledge/history | Someone who has been violent before is more likely to be violent again |
| Alcohol/drugs | Reduces the subject’s ability to reason. It may cause a loss of control making an assault more likely |
| Special skills | A martial arts practitioner or boxer will know how to respondmore efficiently and with greater effect |
| Imminent danger | Behaviour indicating imminent assault |
| Position of disadvantage | No route of escape, or a barrier between you and the aggressor |
| Environment | Difficulties in access and egress, no other support available |
| Weapons | Production of weapons or availability of weapons of opportunity |