I'd like to answer, old rugged cross, but I don't fully understand the question. If it was a question.

Muggings involve a certain degree of assault. Assaults involve an impermissible touch. An impermissible touch could be, literally, putting a finger on her or striking with deadly force.

???

ETA: Btw, what I stated is an ancient trick. I some, it comes naturally. In others, it is consciously learned.

You're in Tennessee? Isn't that a gun-friendly state?

Can you take your friend to the range? Teach her to shoot? Mentor her, in the process of becoming an Armed Citizen?