April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. And it’s important to understand that being confident really can protect you.

“I could spot a victim by the way she walked down the street, the tilt of her head, the manner in which she carried herself.”
—Ted Bundy

Bundy discussed his ability to identify potential victims based on their body language during an interview with Professor Ronald Holmes, offering insight into his process of victim selection.  But it’s not just the ramblings of a serial killer—it’s a reality backed by science.

In a study entitled Psychopathy and Victim Selection: The Use of Gait as a Cue to Vulnerability, researchers found that violent offenders—many with high levels of psychopathy—could identify victims just by watching them walk. And they were scarily accurate.

Keep in mind that this is NOT about victim blaming. It’s about reducing your chances of being the victim of a horrific crime by understanding how predators think—and taking back your power.

Why It Matters During Sexual Assault Awareness Month

While we spend April raising awareness about sexual violence (as we should), we also need to talk about prevention tactics that go beyond “don’t walk alone” and “cover your drink.” Because predators are watching how we carry ourselves—every day, everywhere.

Confidence isn’t just a vibe. It’s a safety strategy.

What the Study Found

In the study, (link in comments section) 47 violent inmates from a maximum-security prison watched video clips of people walking from behind. No sound. No dialogue. Just gait.

Then they were asked: How vulnerable is this person to being assaulted or robbed?

As it turns out, the more psychopathic the inmate (especially those scoring high in manipulation, lack of empathy, and charm), the more accurately they identified actual victims.

They didn’t need a cover story…they just needed body language.

Red Flags Predators Look For

• Short, hesitant strides
• Uneven or “off-balance” walk
• Head down or shoulders slumped
• Lack of rhythm or arm movement
• Overall energy of insecurity or fear

You might not notice these things about yourself. But they do.

What Repels Predators?

Body language that signals:
“I see you.” (Look right at them)
“I’m not scared of you.”
“I bite back.”

Predators aren’t looking for a fair fight—they’re looking for someone who won’t resist. That’s why walking with confidence, strength, and presence makes you a less appealing target.

Even better? When you feel strong, you look strong. But if trauma or past victimization has changed the way you carry yourself, you’re not broken—you’ve been conditioned. That can change.

What Actually Helps?

• Body language awareness: It’s not just “walk tall”—it’s move with rhythm, intention, and presence.
• Staying Strong: Not just for the beach, but for your life.
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Not to “fix you,” but to rebuild how you see yourself—because how you see yourself is how your body moves.
• Confidence-building tools: Not just for work or dating, but for staying alive.

No matter what – Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault.
But predators aren’t picking victims randomly—they’re watching.
They’re scanning for body language that says, “I won’t fight back.”

So this Sexual Assault Awareness Month, let’s expand this conversation. Let’s talk about how strength—real, embodied strength—is one of the best safety tools we have.

Because your safety isn’t just about where you walk.
It’s about how you walk.