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

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!

I ALWAYS lock car doors and my house the minute I come through the door. Even if I’m doing housework, and I’m in and out going to and from the garage, I lock the doors. At night, I go only to places where there are crowds going to/from the venue, or I know people are expecting me. I tend to eat at “family” restaurants where I’m less likely to be acosted by drunks.

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

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 once shoved fingers down throat and vomited...he stopped following me (I'd heard doing something strange/repulsive would help)

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

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.

The invisible load of being a woman living under the patriarchy

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

I don't use ATMs, ever.

I don’t walk on nature trails alone 😞

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

S.I.N.G. is my go-to first self defense lesson for my friends. Solar plexus, instep, nose, groin. Solar plexus is great for stunning someone, instep to break the foot, hit up into the bottom of the nose, then hit the groin for good measure. While the assailant is recovering you run and call for help. If someone grabs your wrist, break their grip by jerking towards their thumb. The thumb isn't nearly as strong as most people imagine. If you hit someone in the temples on the side of the head with your palms, you can disorient them. I've seen children do this ...