Why Good People Get Hurt: Understanding “Assumed Morality”

Let’s start with something uncomfortable but true:

Good people get hurt.

Not because they’re weak.

Not because they’re in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But often because they assume everyone else is good too.This is what we in the self-defense world call “assumed morality.” And believe it or not, it’s one of the most dangerous mindsets a person can have, especially in a country like South Africa, where crime isn’t just something you see on the news. It’s real. It’s personal. And it can happen to anyone.

What is “Assumed Morality”?

It’s that little voice inside that says:

“He looks normal, he won’t hurt me.”
“She’s dressed well — can’t be a threat.”
“Things like hijackings, kidnappings or attacks don’t happen to people like me.”

That mindset, while comforting, is exactly what criminals rely on to get close to their victims.The average attacker doesn’t look like a movie villain. He’s not foaming at the mouth, waving a weapon around. He’s patient. He’s watching. And he’s waiting for someone who isn’t paying attention, someone who’s polite, trusting, and just trying to be a “good person.”

But here’s the thing...

Being good doesn’t protect you.
Being aware does.In fact, criminals specifically choose good people because they know they’ll hesitate. They know they’ll freeze, try to reason, or hope someone else will help. And in that split second, the bad guy has already won.

So what does this have to do with the workplace?

A lot, actually.

Whether you manage a team in a corporate office, a warehouse, or a call centre, the reality is this:

Your employees deal with strangers every single day, on the road, at shopping centres, at ATMs, during commutes, and even in your parking lot.

And yet…

Most of them have zero training in how to spot danger, avoid it, or respond if things go wrong.That’s a big risk. Not just for them personally, but for your business too.

Staff who fall victim to crime often suffer trauma, miss work, or even resign. And let’s be honest, it’s hard to stay productive when you’re scared to leave your own driveway.

So what can be done?

It starts with breaking the assumed morality mindset.

We need to help people realise:

• Not everyone means well.
• Being alert isn’t being paranoid.
• And self-defense isn’t about being a fighter, it’s about knowing what to do when your safety’s on the line.

At COBRA Self-Defense, we train everyday South Africans no matter their age, size or fitness level to think like criminals so they don’t become victims. It’s not martial arts. It’s real-life training based on how criminals actually operate, from hijackings and muggings to aggressive confrontations.

Here’s what we offer to businesses like yours:

✅ On-site training at your premises 

✅ Corporate-friendly sessions (1 to 3 hours)

✅ Fun, engaging, but life-saving content

✅ Proven tactics from real law enforcement experience

✅ Peace of mind for your staff — and your management team

The bottom line?

If your people don’t understand how criminals think,

they’ll never know how to stop them.Give your team the tools to protect themselves and their families — and show them their safety matters to you.

📞 Let’s talk. Contact us today to arrange a training session for your company.

Let’s make sure your staff stay safe, smart, and one step ahead.

E-Mail: info@cobradefense.co.za

Cell: 082 299 9117