How Can You Survive in a Dangerous Neighborhood?

“I WAS scared all the time. I was afraid on the elevator. I was afraid in my car. I was afraid in my apartment. There was crime everywhere. People were always getting robbed,” says Maria. Do you feel like this Brazilian woman, afraid in your neighborhood, especially in the darkness of the night?

To read detective stories may be exciting, but in real life there often is no happy ending. A crime may remain unsolved. Or in cases of homicide, someone has to go on living without a husband, father, or son, without a wife, mother, or daughter. Is violent crime increasing in your area? Do you long for a quiet place where your family would be safe? Or, if you are compelled to raise your children in a crime-ridden area, what can you do to survive?

Granted, there are still cities where little crime is reported. In many lands, people still live in rural tranquillity or in cozy villages. But things are changing rapidly even in areas formerly considered crime-free. For example, in Brazil 50 years ago, 70 percent of the population lived in the country. Now 70 percent live in the cities. Along with job opportunities has come an increase in urban problems, such as crime and violence. Whether living in a dangerous area or not, you still must go to work or school and do scores of things away from home.

Acknowledging the prevailing “panic syndrome,” a chief of police in Rio de Janeiro cites social injustice and organized crime as contributing factors. He also feels that newspapers and television contribute to widespread fear, “influencing the population’s spirit with tragic news.” Drug addiction, family breakdown, and faulty religious education also contribute to the growing lawlessness. And what will the future bring? Will the steady diet of violent scenes, trivialized in books and films as entertainment, cause people to become insensitive toward others? Will areas considered crime-free also become dangerous?

Since violence is no fun for the victim, we have a strong desire to be safe. No wonder concerned citizens demand more police officers on the streets and stiffer prison sentences or even capital punishment! Despite the risks, some acquire guns for self-defense. Others want the authorities to restrict the sale of firearms. But despite the bad news that crime abounds, there is no need to despair. In fact, many habitants of such large cities as Johannesburg, Mexico City, New York, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo have never been robbed. Let us examine how people cope in a dangerous neighborhood.

Maintaining a Positive Attitude

Regarding a crime-ridden area, a writer comments on “the ingenuity and perseverance of thousands of Brazilians who have fashioned some dignity and decency out of still-harsh living conditions.” After 38 years in Rio de Janeiro, Jorge says: “I avoid certain streets and areas and do not show any curiosity. I also avoid staying on the street late and do not display excessive fear. Although I am cautious, I view people as if they were honest, treating them with dignity and respect.”

Yes, avoid unnecessary trouble. Mind your own business. Never downplay the fact that overwhelming fear can try the nerves, making even well-behaved people act irrationally. Regarding his work in dangerous areas, Odair observes: “I try to be positive, not feeding my mind with fear of bad things that might happen because this causes unnecessary tension and panic. I try to show respect to all people.” Besides being alert and keeping at a distance from suspicious ones, he adds another aid to control one’s emotions: “Above all, I cultivate confidence in Jehovah God, remembering that nothing escapes his eyes and anything that happens is with his permission.”

Yet, no one likes to live in constant fear. Moreover, who will deny that excessive fear and stress are harmful to emotional and physical health? Hence, what hope is there for those who fear that they could be attacked at any time? Since many are afraid that the worst regarding crime is still ahead, will we ever see the end of violence? We invite you to read the following article, “When Will Fear End?”

When Will Fear End?

WOULD it surprise you to know that real security has to do with a man who lived 2,000 years ago? Showing the need for love, Jesus Christ told a remarkable parable: “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among robbers, who both stripped him and inflicted blows, and went off, leaving him half-dead.” Although two travelers ignored the victim, a kind Samaritan showed mercy. Who, though, cares for the victims of crime today? What relief from fear can we expect?​—Luke 10:30-37.

While professing to believe in God, many think that law and order have to be enforced by man. But will heavier prison terms or more and better-paid police put an end to violent crime? Do you really believe that law-enforcement agencies, notwithstanding sincere efforts to provide a measure of security, will eliminate such things as drug abuse, organized crime, and poverty? Yet, our hungering and thirsting for righteousness need not be in vain.​—Matthew 5:6.

Psalm 46:1 says: “God is for us a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found during distresses.” We will see that these words are not mere beautiful poetry.

As you know, the news media daily report wanton killing in civil wars and terrorist attacks. In some parts of the world, it has become commonplace to exterminate unwanted youths or eyewitnesses. Why has life become so cheap? Although there may be various causes of such violence, there is one reason we should not overlook.

According to God’s Word, the Bible, “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) In fact, Jesus Christ identified Satan the Devil not only as a liar but as “a manslayer.” (John 8:44) Influencing mankind in various ways, this powerful spirit creature is promoting today’s increase of violence. “Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time,” says Revelation 12:12. Happily, though, this wicked system will be replaced with “new heavens and a new earth . . . , and in these righteousness is to dwell.”​—2 Peter 3:13.

In addition to this marvelous hope of a new world, what help do we have right now?

Before looking at the positive answer to that, it is good to fix in mind that even genuine Christians have no guarantee that they will be protected from crime. The apostle Paul described some risks that he personally faced. He had been “in dangers from rivers, in dangers from highwaymen, in dangers from [his] own race, in dangers from the nations, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea.” (2 Corinthians 11:26) Yet Paul survived these dangers. It is the same today; by being cautious, we can still carry out our tasks as normally as possible. Let us consider some things that will help.

If one is living in a dangerous neighborhood, fine conduct can be a protection, since people observe others closely. Although robbers plan and execute crimes, many consider themselves to be normal people. Avoid criticizing what they do, and do not try to find out what they are involved in. Thus, you can lessen the possibility of your becoming the object of retaliation. Keep in mind that thieves try to find out who has bought something new or who is going on vacation and therefore will be out of their homes, so be discreet in what you reveal to others.

Many of Jehovah’s Witnesses have found that their reputation as ministers has offered them a distinct measure of protection. Criminals have often shown that they respect such Christians, who without partiality give of themselves in helping people in the community. The Witnesses are not themselves murderers or thieves, nor are they ‘busybodies in other people’s matters,’ hence not a threat.​—1 Peter 4:15.

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BE CAUTIOUS

Many criminals work full-time, making crime a profession. They may work in groups of two or three, even if only one points a gun at you. It is increasingly evident that the younger the criminal, the more dangerous he is. What can you do if you become a victim?

Remain calm so as not to make the thief nervous​—his inexperience can kill. If you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, identify yourself as such. Yet, be ready to hand over what the thief wants. If you delay, the danger increases. Later, you may feel that it is safe to ask that identification papers or bus fare be returned.

Often you cannot tell who is a criminal. Some thieves are drug addicts or professionals, others merely want to eat. In any event, do not carry a large amount of money. Avoid exhibiting jewelry, gold rings, or expensive watches. Walk and travel normally, showing no fear. Do not fix your eyes on individuals as though you want to identify them. In case of street shootings, throw yourself on the ground; clothes can be cleaned afterward.​—A former policeman in Rio de Janeiro.