I always park under a light. My husband didn’t have any idea.

I am always looking behind me… Especially at an ATM, in a parking lot, whenever it is dark, at a bus stop… I could keep going. I’m not paranoid, just extremely cautious based on past experiences.

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.

The invisible load of being a woman living under the patriarchy

Sadly, the everyday protection is smiling, nodding, laughing uncomfortably, staying silent, and not dating.We’re taught at a young age to be afraid of being alone. It’s not because of the violent women in the world.Men might be lonely without us. We’re alive and not abused without them. Big difference.

If I’m walking anywhere alone and see a man, any man, I pretend I’m talking on my phone with my car key between my fingers.

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

Always carry pepper spray. Park closer to doors of place I’m going. Dont park in dark places. If need be have someone accompany me to my car.

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.

I don’t walk on nature trails alone 😞

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

Reminding my daughters to be careful every time they go go out for the evening. Not accepting a drink, unless it came directly from the bartender. Of course, a knife under the seat of my car. not walking anywhere isolated after dark by myself, locking doors to the car immediately upon getting in, oh and instinctively checking in the backseat before opening the car.

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

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.

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.