Written by Nikki J. Burgett
The world we live in is unpredictable. But what keeps me awake at night isn’t just the violence that dominates the headlines—it’s the lives that could be saved if more people were prepared. Schools, workplaces, shopping malls, and places of worship should be sanctuaries, not battlegrounds.
Yet, time and time again, I’ve seen the devastating consequences of being unprepared. This book was born from an unshakable belief: No one should feel powerless in the face of danger. Everyone has the right to safety, and everyone can learn how to protect themselves and their loved ones.
I have spent more than three decades immersed in the study and prevention of violence, with a career spanning law enforcement, corporate security, counter/anti-terrorism, and behavioral threat assessment. I’ve been privileged to work alongside some of the finest minds and bravest hearts in the world. But my work has also revealed a glaring truth: Most people are not prepared to face violence. And it’s not their fault.
Society rarely teaches us how to recognize danger, let alone how to confront it. Instead, we’re often told to rely on others for protection. It’s often said that when seconds count, help is still minutes away. That knowledge became my driving force. I wanted to bridge the gap between fear and empowerment—to offer a guide that equips everyday people with the tools to take control of their safety—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Writing this book was not just a professional endeavor; it was deeply personal. As a former law enforcement officer and a mother, I understand the visceral need to protect those we love. I’ve experienced the helplessness that comes from being unprepared and the confidence that grows when you know how to act decisively. My goal is to share that confidence with you.
This book isn’t about turning you into a soldier or asking you to live in fear. It’s about understanding your capabilities and limitations, and using that knowledge to create a personalized response plan. It’s about recognizing the early warning signs of violence and taking actionable steps to mitigate risk before it escalates. It’s about preparation—because prevention is always better than reaction.
I also wanted to challenge common misconceptions about violence and personal safety. Many people think self-defense is solely about physical strength or technical skills. While those are important, the foundation of safety is mindset. Knowing yourself—your strengths, your boundaries, and your resolve—is the first step toward effectively confronting and overcoming danger.
I believe that empowering individuals to prepare for, prevent, and respond to violence can save lives. This is not just a book—it’s a call to action. It’s a plea for all of us to take ownership of our safety and to reject the notion that we must be helpless victims. My hope is that this book equips you to stand strong—not just for yourself, but for your loved ones and your community.
Violence may be an unavoidable reality, but victimhood is not. Together, we can rewrite the narrative. We can create a world where no one is caught unprepared, where awareness and preparedness are the norm. I’m not just sharing knowledge—I’m sharing tools and strategies to help you protect what matters most. That’s my “why,” and it’s my honor to stand with you in this mission.
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Nikki J. Burgett, PMP, CPP, is a Behavioral Threat Assessment Specialist currently working overseas as the Deputy Resident Program Manager for an international antiterrorism program, enhancing operational effectiveness for law enforcement and security personnel. When in the U.S., she focuses on workplace violence prevention, applying her expertise in behavioral sciences to mitigate threats across diverse environments. A highly sought-after public speaker, Nikki is the author of Surviving Violence: How to Plan for, Prevent, and Respond to Threats. For more information, visit her website at www.nikkiburgett.com
Her book releases February 1 and can be purchased on Universal Publishers, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Harvard Books.
