Women's Self Defense Stories

The invisible load of being a woman living under the patriarchy

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

I bought my daughters rape whistles, pepper spray and knife rings when they went to college. Gave the entire dorm suites the talk about buddy system. For my son? I told him don’t abuse women, understand enthusiastic consent or I’d neuter him.

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

Memorize Who Passes By

I do this, too, and try to memorize a few details of the person (ex, red hat, beard, gray pants)

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

Avoiding Trouble With Strangers

I want men as far away as I can get them. They are predators. They do not hear women say no.

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

Women-Only Practice, Locked Doors

I only work with women in my private practice. I don’t date men. I don’t sleep with men. I energetically repel them… intentionally. I check my locks multiple times before sleeping. I learned how to shoot a pew pew and own one. I don’t keep a strict routine. Freezer spells.

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

Nature Trails? Never Solo

I would never walk alone on a nature trail.

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

Avoid ATMs Completely

I don't use ATMs, ever.

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

Hidden Weapon: Necklace Blade

I have a crucifix necklace. I'm NOT RELIGOUS AT ALL. There is a hidden switchblade in it. 😉🗡️🗡️Smile pretty and watch your back

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

"I think your daughter may have been drugged"

When I (female) was in the 7th grade (12-years-old), I would experience nausea, vomiting, and extreme sleepiness after spending the night at the house of this particular friend (let's call her "Erin"). This friend, also female, lived with her parents and her brother, who was 5 years older than us. After about 5-6 times experiencing these symptoms, my mom apparently noticed a pattern and sat me down to ask if I was drinking alcohol at Erin's. I remember laughing at that question because I had never even tasted alcohol at that point in my life...b […]

Creepy Encounters with Men Reddit

Knife, Mace, Torch Readiness

Pocket knife, mace gel spray, and flame torch. Gun at the front of the house by the door. Leaving from home or heading home awareness of garage door being opened. Walking towards car love my newer car where the door unlocks when the key gets close no more fumbling with keys. Also no more beep to alert someone I’m trying to get in my car. Know how to call ER numbers without opening my phone. Know how to get ER contraception and STI testing. Irish goodbyes.

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

Sit by Women, Parties Safe

I take the train to work. I try to sit next to women. When I get in my car in the parking garage I lock my door. I have a friend that loves throwing parties and has them a lot. Even though I know her and a couple of her tight friends I never go alone. Always bring a guy, husband or a friend if husband can’t come because of work. Most people are ok but you just never know.

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

Never Without Pepper Spray

I would not walk on a nature trail without pepper spray.

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

Always Share Your Route

I text my friends where I am going, including route taking, and estimated time I’ll be home

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

Watch Until They Leave

I always pull out my earbuds in this situation, too. I also turn and watch them retreat to make sure they don’t double back.

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

Do not let your Uber Driver cancel your ride while in the car

Sorry this is a bit long, I know this isn't a therapist office but this has bothered me for a long time and I wanted to just get it off my chest. This happened June 2018 in Portland, Oregon. I understand I acted like an idiot in this situation, since then I have become much more observant, cautious, and honestly, much more paranoid. I went dancing with friends was really drunk by midnight. Unfortunately this was back when I had little money, and I realized you could save money by eating very little before going out and it would take far fewer drinks […]

Creepy Encounters with Men Reddit

Refusing Night Walks Alone

I don’t walk at night or early in the morning alone. Ever. I don’t go to the gas station at night alone. Ever. I don’t feel safe in my own car with a man tailgating me and I don’t feel safe alerting male police about instances where I’ve been harassed. I don’t allow my kids to play inside peoples’ houses. I don’t allow them to have sleepovers with their friends outside of our home. I do background checks on teachers, coaches, physicians. I don’t post my kids online anymore.

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

Ponytails: Easy Grab Risk

I do not wear a ponytail in public. It is too easy to grab.

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

Grey Hair, Invisibility Shield

I revel in the invisibility bestowed by my grey hair. The only people who comment on my appearance are other women (and my OH) and they're always positive.

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads

He changed his mind when I said I was bringing someone

I’m a 22 year old female for context. While I was living at uni by myself i messaged a man who had a ps2 for sale on Facebook, it was a really good price and looked really good condition. I really should’ve known it was too good to be true. Anyway, I message him about it and he says he will drop it off straight after work, and that he is working on a building site near where I live. All good right? Except he kept saying he will do me a solid and drop it right to my door, even though I repeatedly said I would meet him at a nearby car park. He said oka […]

Creepy Encounters with Men Reddit

Hypervigilance After Abuse

Well, I’m hyper vigilant because I’ve been followed, cornered, threatened, sexually abused (as a small girl), bullied, bullied and shoved into a wall, locked out, robbed, ETC!

Self Defense Tips for Women Threads