Surviving Violence

Abstract

Violence can strike without warning--will you be ready? This guide empowers you to stay prepared, proactive, and in control. Combining expert insights with real-world examples, it goes beyond survival tactics to help you master your instincts, sharpen your responses, and build resilience. You’ll learn to:

• Recognize early warning signs and assess risks
• Develop a proactive mindset and response plan
• Stay focused and resilient under stress
• Protect yourself and others in any situation

Whether at home, in public, or on the move, this book equips you to prepare for, prevent, and respond effectively. Take control before threats begin and own your safety with confidence.

This book is a powerful guide for those who refuse to be victims in an increasingly unpredictable world. While many resources emphasize survival tactics, this book offers a deeper approach by teaching you how to understand your instincts, master your responses, and integrate both mental and physical training. It equips you to not only survive, but to actively prepare for, prevent, and respond to violence. Designed for individuals committed to protecting themselves, their loved ones, and their communities, this guide provides practical tools to recognize early warning signs, develop a proactive mindset, and create a personalized response plan. It’s not just about reacting to threats—it’s about empowering you to take control before danger strikes.

Through real-world examples, expert insights, and actionable advice, this book helps readers understand the full spectrum of threats they may encounter, from personal assaults to larger-scale incidents. With a clear focus on prevention, it provides strategies for honing situational awareness, assessing potential risks, and taking decisive action to mitigate danger. Whether you’re at home, in public, or traveling, you’ll learn how to identify vulnerabilities and adopt a proactive stance to keep yourself and those around you safe.

As prevention is not always possible, readers will also explore how to respond to violence, remaining mentally resilient and focused during moments of extreme stress. Learning how to manage fear, keep a clear head, and make swift, decisive actions when faced with danger is critical. The Respond section provides you with tools to develop a strong mental framework, enabling you to overcome the paralysis or indecision that can occur in life-threatening situations.

In a world where violence can strike without warning, understanding who we are and how we respond in life-or-death situations is crucial. This book dives deep into the psychology and physiology of our reactions to violence, teaching readers how to break free from instinctual responses and instead train your minds and bodies to not only anticipate and prevent violence, but also to respond effectively when faced with it. It doesn’t just tell you what to do—it guides you to discover your unique strengths and build a powerful, personalized defense strategy. If you’re ready to own your safety, master your response, and stand strong in the face of any threat, this book is your essential companion.

REVIEWS and WORDS OF PRAISE

Nikki Burgett delivers a masterful guide that is both authoritative and immediately actionable. This book hits all the hallmarks of a must-read: it instructs with clarity, empowers through practical strategies, and provides the tools necessary to take control of your safety. Essential for anyone serious about preparation and prevention, it’s a definitive resource in navigating the complexities of violence.
--Joe Navarro, former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and author of Dangerous Personalities

A concise, precise and valuable resource, on a critical and essential topic!
--Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, author of On Combat, On Killing, On Hunting, and On Spiritual Combat

This is not just a book—it’s a lifeline. Nikki Burgett has faced violence, navigated the challenges, and come out on the other side. This powerful guide delivers hard-earned lessons and actionable insights you can trust. Dive in, and prepare to emerge stronger.
--Patrick Van Horne, co-author of Left of Bang: How the Marine Corps' Combat Hunter Program Can Save Your Life

As someone who has spent years in the trenches of personal safety and behavior decoding, I can say without hesitation that this book is a game changer.... Through expert insights, relatable anecdotes, and a no-nonsense approach, readers are not only taught how to recognize threats but empowered to take control of their safety.... This book is an essential read for anyone serious about personal safety. It’s a call to action to trust your instincts, sharpen your awareness, and, most importantly, take control of your safety before the need arises.
--Terry Vaughan, Former British Royal Marine Commando, Creator of the D.I.R.T. Dangerous Individual Recognition Training® personal safety programs, author, and TEDx Speaker

Nikki Burgett has written a definitive guide to surviving violence while redefining the role of the individual in preparing, preventing and responding to these heinous acts. We all need to be ready to deal with and respond as individuals in today’s reality where there are no safe zones. That means assessing and knowing yourself in detail and developing your own Personal Response Plan.... Challenge yourself and read this book.
--Henry Morgenstern, Co-Founder of Security Solutions International (SSI) and co-author of Suicide Terror: Understanding and Confronting the Threat

The power of storytelling cannot be undervalued. Nikki Burgett offers a determined blend of case vignettes, supportive research, and personal anecdotes to emphasize how personal safety relies on proactive physical and mental preparation….She goes beyond conceptualization and provides actionable steps to optimize situational awareness and preparedness should one find themselves amidst a critical, and perhaps life or death, situation….
--Matt Talbot, PhD, CMT, Senior Threat Manager, Kroger Co., and President of ATAP South Central Chapter

About the Author

Nikki J. Burgett is a Behavioral Threat Assessment Specialist with nearly two decades of experience empowering individuals and organizations to protect against diverse threats, including corporate espionage and extremist activities. Nikki not only teaches proactive security measures but actively applies them in her work overseas, collaborating with law enforcement and security personnel to enhance their capabilities in combating terrorism.

Through her company, NJ Burgett, LLC, she delivers tailored threat assessments, strategic guidance, and public speaking engagements, equipping clients with the tools to stay safe and prepared. Known for her expertise and commitment, Nikki ensures those she trains are not just prepared but truly empowered to face any challenge.