







At around 2pm, on August 24th, a 76 year old woman was assaulted in an elevator at Dundas Square.



For details go to: http://cbc.sh/Imz3MWi









Besides highlighting the disturbing reality that assaults can happen anytime/anywhere(not only during late hours or in discrete locations) this horrible incident also points to the problem of defending in small spaces.



Some examples of small spaces include:

· Elevators

· Parking lots (close to a car)

· Public or private bathrooms

· Hallways

· Home invasion

· Public Transit (subway, streetcar, train)



Why Small spaces?





Here are 3 reasons an attacker will choose a small space.





Discretion: An elevator, even a public bathroom, is an opportune space for an attacker to isolate you. An elevator in motion, for instance, does not allow for escape or access to help. Control: Small spaces allow him more control as it forces physical closeness and limits access to escape routes. Limited Mobility/Reaction Time: The attacker knows a smaller space means there is less room to move. There is little or no chasing and your reaction time is severely reduced.



