Trigger warning: This post touches on violent themes.
We’d all like to think we’re safe in the world but the frightening reality for many women is we’re not, and we know it.
This affecting video shows women sharing their strategies to stay safe at night, and the fact is, most of us can probably identify with a few of them.
“Sometimes I hold my keys in my hand, like I’m Wolverine,” one woman shares. Inventive? Maybe. But we shouldn’t have to be inventive about our safety. Our safety should be a given, but it isn’t.
The fact is, keeping safe is a constant concern for women. It forces us to be alert at all times. It makes us cross the road when we otherwise wouldn’t, take taxis we’d rather not pay for, and join gyms when all we really want is to run outside.
This is the reality we live in. But by talking about it and by sharing our experiences, we can hopefully work together to change it.
Top Comments
I am a nurse working in a busy Sydney hospital. Every night after an afternoon shift I walk to my car parked 10 mins away (because there is a 5yr waiting list for staff parking) with keys in tow. If you are lucky there are a few girls parked in the same spot and we can walk together but not always -_- On orientation we were told security could walk us to our car but they are too busy in ED and are unavailable.
My husband (a special forces soldier) has always told me a simple pen, doesn't even have to be metal, is your best weapon. On impact, keys tend to be forced into the webbing of your hand. A pen can be randomly stabbed anywhere, best place is the face. Also, if you use your keys you are likely to drop them, leaving you without a vehicle if you do manage to get away. I'm 45 now and I still get 'that feeling' if I have to walk anywhere at night. I try to trust my gut as I'm walking along and try not to get irrational. I have also been known to have conversations with imaginary people as I'm walking along. I even reply to myself in another voice with an accent!