If you are about to be attacked, pretend you know the person. it does sound weird. but it worked, and once saved my life.
when I was 16 years old, I was walking alone downtown at 1 am, to the bus stop after the party. At that time I was a bit drunk, so my consciousness was still fairly fine.
at that time the air was very cold, I regretted wearing a thin skirt. I started to get confused when I realized that a dark figure was walking towards me. he started walking quickly, I knew that I was in a dangerous situation.
I began to make unconventional decisions with a lingering level of consciousness. I will pretend that I know him.
"Omg! I haven't seen you in a long time! How are you?", I shouted.
"Uh, What?", he replied, in amazement.
"You look so different, say hello to your mother!", I replied.
"Have we met before?" he asked.
"How could you forget?, After all, I have to leave as soon as possible", I replied before leaving the place.
As I walked, I turned around warily to see if he was gone. he went in a different direction, and I saw that there was a knife sticking out of his back pocket.
The next day, out of curiosity, I googled for a way to deal with an attacker, and it's actually a legit way. Honestly, this method won't work if you're already under attack.
but yes, this method can be confusing and distracting to attackers, especially when you're humanizing yourself. so chances are you won't be hurt.