When people talk about self defense, most of the time they simply think about martial art or self defense application like shocker.
However, the most important thing that everyone should know in self defense is to avoid trouble by being aware of the circumstances around them.
In any circumstances, you have to be ready to protect yourself anytime.
Unawareness usually causes people of being a victim of a crime.
A lot of time people do not pay attention of their situation because their mind is wandering about works, problems or they are simply just talking in their cell phone.
In that situation, they become an easy target for criminals.
I am not saying that martial arts skill and self defense application are useless.
They are very useful.
However, by having a good situational awareness will be much better than those skill to avoid being a crime's victim.
Here are several things that we need to be aware of:

1. Avoid Dark Areas.
   If you go outside at night, try to avoid walking in the dark areas such as dark alleys.
   Also try to find a parking space in a well lit areas to reduce the chance your car being broken into or to avoid you and your family being robbed when you walk from or to your car.
   
2. Aware of Your Circumstances.
   As mentioned earlier above, being aware of your surroundings is a very important tip.
   Always pay attention to potential dangers.
   When you walk into unfamiliar areas, do not let yourself occupied with your gadgets or smart phone so that you are not aware to your surroundings.
   Always know where to go if you suspect a potential dangers.
   
3. Find Your Exit if You Found Something Suspicious.
   When you suspect something not right, you feel that you are being followed or something, do not go any further.
   Turn around or try to get out of the area.
   Try to go to the area with more people.
   Make a phone call to someone and tell them your situation.
   
4. Keep Your Valuables Unseen.
   Another important tip is not so show off your valuables to others.
   Avoid opening your wallet in the street and flash a large amount of money.
   Do not wear inappropriate jewelry not at the right places.
   When you park your car on the street, do not have items such as bags or electronic devices in the car.
   You might want to put everything in the trunk where nobody can see them.
   Even if it is nothing valuable in the bag, it still can make burglar or thief break into a car to get it.
   They don't know if nothing is valuable inside the bag, you might not miss your bag if it is missing.
   However, they already broke into your car by damaging your car lock or even breaking the windows.
   
5. Be confident.
   Being confident is also important because muggers or thieves are usually looking for easy target.
   If you look confident, you show them that you are not an easy target so that they will be hesitate to target you.