When I’m walking on nature trails, alone, and see a man approaching, I always check to see if anyone else is around before passing the man, and have my phone out ready to call for help if needed.
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When I'm walking to my car and its dark, I keep my keys sticking out between my fingers of my dominant hand in case I need to fight someone off.
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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.
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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.
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I text my friends where I am going, including route taking, and estimated time I’ll be home
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I don't use ATMs, ever.
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I would not walk on a nature trail without pepper spray.
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I don’t walk on nature trails alone 😞
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Depending on the area you live/work, practice situational awareness, and be mindful of the situations you put yourself in. Don't be afraid to ask coworkers or friends to walk you to your car, for example, if you feel unsafe in an area, especially at night.
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I think the idea of armed military placed in the streets by a known sexual predator is terrifying for women. Women in military conflicts are always victimize while those in power are claiming to protect them. It adds a new layer to our every day fears.
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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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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.
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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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Don't go out after dark alone if I can help it. Let people know where I'm going, when I'm likely to get there. Check in when I reach my destination. Only have one headphone in so I can hear around me. Don't make eye contact with men. Move out of the way for men on pavements. Carry keys in hand as a weapon in quiet car parks. Pretend to be on a call with someone as I walk. Don't take short cuts. Clothes - can I run/defend myself in this? Will I attract unwanted attention?
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I make a scene when a man starts to approach me in a parking lot or I notice being followed when out walking. My yelling “Stop right there!” Or “Get the fuck out of here!” Has work a few times and possibly saved my life. I will not be a polite and compliant victim.
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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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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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For years now, I have assumed that every single man I meet is unsafe and not to be trusted. It’s on them to prove me otherwise. It’s served me very well and there’s a marked difference from the before times, when I didn’t make such assumptions.
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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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