Women's Self Defense Stories

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 […]
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Creepy Encounters with Men Reddit
Lost Freedom After Attacks
I have lived in a gorgeous wooded area with two rivers in a large city for nearly 15 years. There are beautiful walking trails all around me that I used to walk daily. I came dangerously close to being sexually assaulted twice in broad daylight in 2019 and 2020. I can’t walk the trails comfortably anymore. I am not terrified, but have no sense of safety. I cannot walk on the secondary trails where all of the best wildlife is at all unless I am with a man. I lost my favourite freedom.
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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
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Never Abandon Another Woman
Don’t abandon another woman. If she looks uncomfortable, ask. I’ve pretended to know them from college/hometown/whatever. Looked straight at the guy and asked him to introduce himself. It can’t hurt. Worst case you offend a stranger.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Women Sailors’ Safety Networks
Not so much a daily life thing but I’m a sailor and I don’t own a boat myself so I like to go on sailing trips with folks who own boats. I’m right now sailing in Croatia with a woman skipper and her husband who have the absolute worst relationship dynamic—they bicker constantly—because it’s really hard to vet a male skipper who’s safe. There is a blackist of 300ish male skippers and counting who’ve sexually assaulted or otherwise harmed the women who’ve sailed with them.
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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
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Park by Cart Return
I always try to park next to the grocery cart return or in front of the store so I'm not alone for long.
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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 […]
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Creepy Encounters with Men Reddit
Never Alone on Trails
I don’t walk on nature trails alone 😞
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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.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Keys as Weapons Tip
Drive with my doors locked. Walk through parking lots with my keys sticking thru my fingers. Check the back seat before I get in. Only park in a parking garage if abs necessary. No eye contact w/ strangers. Very careful in elevators and always stand next to the buttons. Never book a single room and always get an extra key "for my husband." If I enter my room alone, I say, Hi honey! like someone's there. I meet meal deliveries in the lobby.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Dorm Talks: Whistles, Consent
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.
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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 […]
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Creepy Encounters with Men Reddit
Routine Change to Avoid Predators
I vary my routine in case some creep is watching. I lock everything. I do the smiling, fawning thing if I sense a potential monster. I live with dogs. I don’t really go anywhere besides my small circle. I am always checking for predators, by which I mean male humans.
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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.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Home Alone Precautions
if i get home at night i come in lock the door behind me, check all my other doors, windows and make sure all my blinds are closed, REFUSE TO TURN ON ANY LIGHT, bc that gives away what room i may be in or that im even home until im not home alone…. also if im ever on a walk, hike, gym, j out and ab NO HEADPHONES
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
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!
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
BITE
Chew their fucking skin off, chomp on to the face/arms/legs/anything, go full on zombie mode, go for the eyes and work to rip things like lips and ears off
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Self Defense Tips for Women Reddit
Avoid ATMs Completely
I don't use ATMs, ever.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Facing Persistent Commenters
What about making a post and having to tell them twice not to comment? And they still won’t listen.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
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