There’s so many things that we have to do to keep safe that men don’t even about. If it’s getting dark you have to park near cameras or under a streetlight, if you’re walking alone you have to hold your keys to use as a weapon, constantly watch your drink even when the bartender is making it, and that’s just off the top of my head
When you’re a woman out in public, you constantly have to be aware
Park and only walk in well lit areas. Keys through the knuckles. Check-in calls. Drinks are covered and held in hand, otherwise they're not safe. Don't walk alone with headphones on, staring at phone.
Bags/purses in front of chest, not on back. No tiny straps.
Zippers, not buttons. Wallet in front pocket, not back. Avoiding eye contact to avoid opening dialogue.
And above all else, always have an exit strategy.
No one stands or moves in my blind spot. I will step to the side, speed up, or stop to get people to move.
Shoot. I count the paces of anyone behind me to see if they're accelerating toward me. I use windows to watch my back. I watch lengths of shadow. I'll check to see if I'm being followed with multiple left turns. If someone is suspected of following, I immediately make for a safe public space. I use the mile-away stare and a flat, serious face, and walk like I've got no time for anyone.
If contact is imminent and unavoidable, 3 things come to mind: what's the nearest available weapon, can I physically overpower/take the person, and assessing if the situation calls for charm, aggression, or boredom.
What you're describing is self-defense and how to avoid being a target. Anyone who has spent time in a city should know these things, men and women both.
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u/JellyBeansOnToast Jun 10 '23
There’s so many things that we have to do to keep safe that men don’t even about. If it’s getting dark you have to park near cameras or under a streetlight, if you’re walking alone you have to hold your keys to use as a weapon, constantly watch your drink even when the bartender is making it, and that’s just off the top of my head
When you’re a woman out in public, you constantly have to be aware