All opinions are mine and mine alone.
While there’s no place for misogyny and sexism in the modern world, it’s still important to have peace of mind as a woman. Having peace of mind is in no way the same thing as ‘protecting yourself’ – you could take every measure to protect yourself and still become a target, and it would not be your fault. It’s important to end that victim blaming narrative now, as it’s so damaging to people who have been victims of various things. Telling somebody they ‘should have’ done something when they have been the victim of a gross crime is invalidating and victim blaming; it suggests that if only they had taken one more precaution, they would have been able to avoid what happened to them. This is rarely the case.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at what you can do to have peace of mind as a woman in the world:
Carry An Alarm With You
Carry an alarm with you if you’re out alone so you can alert people to any danger. You may also be able to carry pepper spray with you, but you should make sure this is ok in your country/state.
Take Self Defense Classes
Self defense classes, especially those designed for women, can help you to stay fit as well as learn to fight off an attacker. You’ll be taught to go against your natural instincts a lot of the time to make sure they realize that messing with you is more trouble than its worth.
Walk In Well Lit Areas If you’re walking alone, walk in well lit, populated areas. Walking in the dark alone can be especially dangerous.
Make Sure Somebody Knows Where You Are/Where You’re Going
Don’t be secretive about where you’re going. Tell a friend or family member where you plan to be if you can. This is especially important if you plan on meeting somebody new or going on a Tinder date for the first time. You could even set up some kind of signal with a friend to help you get away if you feel you need to. If you’re getting in an Uber, cab, or another form of transport, be sure you also make note of who your driver is and their car. Pay attention to the route they take you on. They may contact a criminal defense law firm to go against your claims, but you’ll already have all of the proof you need if something does go awry.
Stay Aware Of Your Surroundings
Try not to get lost in music or using your phone when you’re out alone. Do your best to stay aware and mindful of your surroundings.
Listen To Your Gut
Your gut vibe is rarely wrong, so listen to it. If someone is walking behind you and it doesn’t feel right, cross the road, or even start running. Many women are afraid to make assumptions like this through fear of seeming ‘rude’, but it’s much better to do this than to risk your life and safety.
Speak Your Mind