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?

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

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.

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 never park next to big white vans…. Never in my life seen a women driving those 🤷‍♀️

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.

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.

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

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

I always try to park next to the grocery cart return or in front of the store so I'm not alone for long.

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.

When I was taking night classes in college my girlfriends and I would take turns driving everyone to their cars. Sometimes I didn’t have that protection either. In those cases I’d call my husband before I left whatever building and I’d have him on speakerphone as I loudly would tell him EXACTLY where I was the entire wall to my car. He knew to hang up and call 911 if I ever screamed or the phone went dead.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.