Anarax
Master Black Belt
Nor do I think you are either. I agree our approaches are just different.I should make it clear that I do not think your wrong. I just approach it differently.
That's not what I said nor implied in my post. My overall point was there's an entire spectrum of tactics one can use to deter a stalker, but many of the tactics will be dependent on the situation.Every teacher will agree that one of the most annoying situations is when your showing a technique and someone keeps interjecting.." well what about this...what if he does this...what if..what if.." they are bringing up variables with the aim of using complexity to invalidate the technique, but more than that they are intended to undermine the teachers credibility.
My concept in this matter for the young girl is survival/protection. Doing what she can to prevent being assaulted/abducted/murdered is the only thing I deem important. Going to a crowded place, calling the police, using pepper spray she's trained how to use are all actions based on the survival/protection concept.Variables matter but only when your actually defending yourself, not when someone is trying to express an underlying concept. Using the phone is a tactic, one out of an infinite number. The underlying principal is as i explained "strategic stalemate" . You focused on the details but perhaps missed the underlying principal.
Hence is why I saidI should add that calling the police is always advisable during or after any crime or self defense situation. But it's seldom a useful defense for immediate and present danger.
andGetting on the phone immediately with the police and at the same time looking for the most crowded area would be my first priority. I believe there are phone apps that send a distress signal when activated, check with your local law enforcement to see which ones are compatible with their systems and what they recommend.
Depending on the laws in your area, pepper spray is a great option. However, they must be trained in how to use it effectively and safely(for the user).
I approach it from multiple angles but with the same underlying concept of survival/protection. How can you prepare before the situation(training, buying pepper spray, etc), and what to do during the situation(head for crowded areas, call police, etc).