Surviving Violence: The Book

Surviving Violence

This book empowers you to understand your instincts, build resilience, and take control of your safety in an unpredictable world.

With practical tools and expert insights, you’ll learn how to:

Prepare effectively by understanding your physical capabilities and mental willingness, developing a security mindset, and creating a personalized defense strategy.
Prevent threats by recognizing early warning signs and adopting proactive measures to reduce risks.
Respond decisively with confidence, staying mentally strong under stress, and making swift, informed decisions in critical moments.

Whether you’re at home, in public, or traveling, Surviving Violence equips you with the knowledge and skills to face any challenge. If you’re ready to take ownership of your safety and protect what matters most, this guide is for you.

Inspiration for Writing the Book

Violence can strike anyone, anywhere, often without warning. Over decades in law enforcement, security, and counterterrorism, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of violence—but also the critical importance of preparation.

I wrote Surviving Violence: How to Prepare for, Prevent, and Respond to Violent Threats to share the hard-earned lessons I’ve learned throughout my career. My goal is to empower others to take control of their safety and protect those they love by building confidence, developing practical strategies, and understanding their own capabilities.

This book is more than a guide—it’s my way of helping others turn uncertainty into readiness and fear into decisive action.

Where to Purchase

Surviving Violence How to Prepare for, Prevent, and Respond to Threats

"Nikki Burgett delivers a masterful guide that is both authoritative and immediately actionable. This book hits all the hallmarks of a must-read: it instructs with clarity, empowers through practical strategies, and provides the tools necessary to take control of your safety. Essential for anyone serious about preparation and prevention, it’s a definitive resource in navigating the complexities of violence."
Joe Navarro, former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and author of Dangerous Personalities.
"A concise, precise and valuable resource, on a critical and essential topic!"
Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, author of On Combat, On Killing, On Hunting, and On Spiritual Combat.
“This is not just a book—it’s a lifeline. Nikki Burgett has faced violence, navigated the challenges, and come out on the other side. This powerful guide delivers hard-earned lessons and actionable insights you can trust. Dive in, and prepare to emerge stronger.”
Patrick Van Horne, co-author of Left of Bang: How the Marine Corps’ Combat Hunter Program Can Save Your Life
"As someone who has spent years in the trenches of personal safety and behavior decoding, I can say without hesitation that this book is a game changer.... Through expert insights, relatable anecdotes, and a no-nonsense approach, readers are not only taught how to recognize threats but empowered to take control of their safety.... This book is an essential read for anyone serious about personal safety. It’s a call to action to trust your instincts, sharpen your awareness, and, most importantly, take control of your safety before the need arises."
Terry Vaughan, Former British Royal Marine Commando, Creator of the D.I.R.T. Dangerous Individual Recognition Training® personal safety programs,
“The power of storytelling cannot be undervalued. Nikki Burgett offers a determined blend of case vignettes, supportive research, and personal anecdotes to emphasize how personal safety relies on proactive physical and mental preparation….She goes beyond conceptualization and provides actionable steps to optimize situational awareness and preparedness should one find themselves amidst a critical, and perhaps life or death, situation….”
Matt Talbot, PhD, CMT, Senior Threat Manager Kroger Co., and President of ATAP South Central Chapter
“Nikki Burgett has written a definitive guide to surviving violence while redefining the role of the individual in preparing, preventing and responding to these heinous acts. We all need to be ready to deal with and respond as individuals in today’s reality where there are no safe zones. That means assessing and knowing yourself in detail and developing your own Personal Response Plan.... Challenge yourself and read this book.”
Henry Morgenstern, Co-Founder of Security Solutions International (SSI), and co-author of Suicide Terror: Understanding and Confronting the Threat

Check out a review of Surviving Violence here

Surviving Violence: The Book