The new nanny causes anxiety in the mother. In a deserted parking lot, a suspicious stranger offers unsolicited help. Often threats are not a figment of our imagination; they actually lie in wait for us. In this book, Gavin de Becker, the world's leading expert on violent behavior, shows how to recognize environmental cues and respond accurately to them. Challenging the idea that the worst acts of aggression are usually unpredictable, Becker offers life-tested ways to protect yourself and those you love. What to do when someone is stalking you? How to find out the source of anonymous phone calls? What mistake could be fatal if you are threatened? In answering these questions, the author relies on extensive experience in studying the psychology of criminals, gives examples of many real situations with victims of street and family violence and the actions of psychopaths, maniacs and murderers of politicians and stars.