Women exercising outdoors

People also need to remember that most rapes and sexual assaults are by someone you know, and often in a relationship with.

We need to be protected inside the home and out, so even though it is of course essential to be well protected when you're out and about, also remember you need to be aware of assaults in your own home.

I was sexually assaulted by a bf, and it took me weeks to actually realise it was a sexual assault - but he did something in bed that I told him not to, of course it was!

So vigilant outside, and aware at home

Not sure where you are from but in the UK carrying a knife for 'protection' is a offence which attracts a jail sentece. Worse than that evidence suggests that women who attempt to use weapons against attackers tend to have it taken off them and used against them.

Whilst we have the right to be safe, carrying weapons is not the answer.

The key to not getting a weapon taken away is know how to use it and not being afraid to use it. If you carry a weapon, be sure you are properly trained to use it. My state allows concealed carry handgun permits, so I have one, and am usually armed. My wife is also well trained with her pistol.

JM

Yeah still in the UK carrying a weapon is illegal. Guns are completely illegal, although of course criminals can get there hands on them. Carrying a knife is completely illegal too.

But if you accidently spray someone in their face with deodorant that you are carrying in your pocket as its the first thing that comes to hand to protect yourself it will hurt ( and give you time to run)

Thank you for all the helpful tips. I do occasionally walk outside by myself and I thought about buying some mace just incase. You can never be too careful Sorry this happened to you!

Just another suggestion, when I was at college it was a decent size campus and there were night classes. When walking to your car at night when you don't know who's around keep your car key in your and with the key sticking out b/t your fingers. It's not much but may be enough to help you out! I never had an issue but it's always good to be cautious.

Lolli at 14, he's not a little boy. He's a teenage boy, who should have been taught better by now. Chances are nothing bad will happen to him. But if he *has* done this kind of thing before, your report will help both the police and him.

That said, as a rape survivor, I have to say it makes me *very* angry when people suggest it's not 'responsible' to report sexual violence. That's putting way too much pressure on the victim, and I think it's very inappropriate. I'm not quite sure what you think gives you the right, therealangd, to chastise another woman for however *they* choose to handle *their* experience of assault. But believe me, you don't have that right. Take your righteous indignation somewhere else, please, and don't burden a victim further with it.

Thank you for posting this comment.

OP I pray you find some comfort and relief after reporting this guy. This is obviously not easy and no one can know exactly how you feel after being violated. I applaud you for not just sharing but encouraging other women on being safe while working out. Women you do not know or may neve meet. This says so much about who you are as a woman and they strength you posesse to heal and move forward. I pray for your emotional and mental healing.

Sorry that happened to you.



Reminds me of when my dad used to walk at the track at the high school where he lived. There was always a woman there after dark(they did have lights there) and he was walking with her one night, and asked "Aren't you ever scared or nervous walking here at night?" she simply replied, "I have nothing to be scared of with a .45 backing me."

I honestly cannot even believe this. I am in total shock. That's complete bs. I'd be calling it in right away.

excellent tips. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. But thank you for sharing

That's just awesome!

I'm so sorry this happened to you but I am glad it wasn't worse. It is a blessing that you can now educate some women to help prevent something far worse happening :flowerforyou:

I think every woman should take a basic self defense class. Many of our local Karate studios offer them, often for free. The basic premise is that your learn what to do to get AWAY! Not to fight! Always have an escape route in mind wherever you are. OP sounds like a smart lady - and that means we are all targets, no matter how prepared we are. We can only do our best to create a positive outcome from any encounter, but we can't let that fear keep us from living!

I'm so sorry for what you had to go through. I took a basic self defense class prior to starting my 3-11 shift. Here are a few tips:
1. If you carry keys, put them in your hand, pick the biggest key and point it outward, wrapping your hand in a fist. If attacked, aim for the eyes. If no keys, put index finger straight, put your middle finger over top, aim for eyes.
2. If attacked, use the bottom of your hand, just above the wrist, and punch upward under the attackers nose. (Note: If done correctly, will cause death to your attacker but the way I see it, they attacked you and you are fighting for your life.)
I learned a lot more, like slamming your heel downward on attackers shin and into top of his foot. Just remember, his eyes are more vulnerable this his groin......and don't forget that you can bite, scratch....rip his ear off if need be. Just don't wash hands or yourself after an attack. There could be hair and skin on you that they can get successful DNA from. It is better NOT to change your clothes as you could loose particles of evidence but if you have to, put them in a plastic bag to take with you when you report the attack.
Stay safe out there gals! Its always better to buddy up or take your dog with you.