The people who conduct street violence are 99% of the time bullies no different than in a school - they prey on the weak. If you show no weakness, they will usually chose another victim. At the end of the day they're cowards, and they will not enter a fight if they're not sure they can win.
Anyone who's seriousley worried about street violence should definately check out books by Geoff Thompson, i'd especially reccomend 'Dead or Alive: The Choice Is Yours':
This book teaches simple precautionary measures that everyone can take to make themselves less vulnerable to attack, and explains what victims should do when confronted by an assailant. Geoff Thompson interviews murderers, rapists and muggers who reveal why they target certain people.
Don’t risk being unprepared when a violent predator gets you in his sights.
Geoff Thompson is one of the UK’s most respected martial artists. He is the author of over 25 books on martial arts and self-defence. Geoff Thompson: Dead Or Alive
He's also written a couple of decent personal development books
