Victims are always targets first. You have to learn how not to be a target. That way you probably won't react in a way that might be dangerous to him. However, if you are prepared, if you make a habit of planning against potential threats you are much less likely to attract trouble. You can deter crime simply by being an unattractive target.
Criminals always prefer the easy mark.
The lady whose arms are full of packages, who is fumbling for her keys, who is distracted, is a much more likely target than the fellow who inserts his key in the car door, looks left and right, gets into the car, locks the door and keeps his head up. This guy doesn't invite attack, he's a bad target because he's too aware. Effective awareness is nothing more than taking a few seconds to check your surroundings. Instead of being preoccupied with the grocery list or your next appointment open your eyes, widen your view and study the immediate vicinity. Never become so focused on what you're doing that you fail to notice the activity around you.