There is little else as disconcerting as receiving a threat and trying to determine how to respond or whether you should respond at all. Fortunately, there are ways you can cope with a threat in Texas without putting yourself further into harm’s way.
Harvard Law School has provided a list of helpful suggestions to negotiate a threat, but these tips can also help to guide you on how to approach a threat. These include the following:
- Take a step back: As soon as you have been threatened, immediately step away from the situation. If you have received the threat via phone or social media, do not respond right away. Rather, take some time to think and do your best to understand where the threat is coming from. Ask yourself what may have triggered the person who is threatening you to say what they did.
- Question and listen: Do not be afraid to ask the perpetrator questions about why he or she feels the way they do. Try to get to the bottom of things and understand their point of view so you can better assess the situation.
- Be understanding: Demonstrate empathy and do your best to understand where the person who threatened you is coming from. Some of the things you can do include offering condolences, acknowledging his or her feelings and listening attentively and quietly to grievances.
Always remember that immediately gratifying the person who has threatened you by complying is only giving him or her more power. Rather, take your time to negotiate an understanding and never hesitate to involve law enforcement if your life is in danger.
The information in this article has been written for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice.