Women's Self Defense Stories

Feigned Phone Calls for Safety
If I’m walking anywhere alone and see a man, any man, I pretend I’m talking on my phone with my car key between my fingers.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
He changed his mind when I said I was bringing someone
I’m a 22 year old female for context. While I was living at uni by myself i messaged a man who had a ps2 for sale on Facebook, it was a really good price and looked really good condition. I really should’ve known it was too good to be true. Anyway, I message him about it and he says he will drop it off straight after work, and that he is working on a building site near where I live. All good right? Except he kept saying he will do me a solid and drop it right to my door, even though I repeatedly said I would meet him at a nearby car park. He said oka […]
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Creepy Encounters with Men Reddit
Signal Loss Means Turn Back
Whenever I run in the forest I always listen to YouTube so when the music stops I know I no longer have cell reception and turn back immediately
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Avoiding Trouble With Strangers
I want men as far away as I can get them. They are predators. They do not hear women say no.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Preemptive Daughter Protection Checklist
Reminding my daughters to be careful every time they go go out for the evening. Not accepting a drink, unless it came directly from the bartender. Of course, a knife under the seat of my car. not walking anywhere isolated after dark by myself, locking doors to the car immediately upon getting in, oh and instinctively checking in the backseat before opening the car.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Hidden Weapon: Necklace Blade
I have a crucifix necklace. I'm NOT RELIGOUS AT ALL. There is a hidden switchblade in it. 😉🗡️🗡️Smile pretty and watch your back
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Memorize Who Passes By
I do this, too, and try to memorize a few details of the person (ex, red hat, beard, gray pants)
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Body Cam in Garden
The old men in my neighborhood in Nowhere’s Ville, Maine, have harassed me repeatedly over the past few years (5 police reports worth). I wear a body cam or have my phone with me at all times when I’m in the garden at the suggestion of the Sheriff’s office
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Refusing Night Walks Alone
I don’t walk at night or early in the morning alone. Ever. I don’t go to the gas station at night alone. Ever. I don’t feel safe in my own car with a man tailgating me and I don’t feel safe alerting male police about instances where I’ve been harassed. I don’t allow my kids to play inside peoples’ houses. I don’t allow them to have sleepovers with their friends outside of our home. I do background checks on teachers, coaches, physicians. I don’t post my kids online anymore.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Never Park Near Vans
I never park next to big white vans…. Never in my life seen a women driving those 🤷‍♀️
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Carry Spray, Park Near Doors
Always carry pepper spray. Park closer to doors of place I’m going. Dont park in dark places. If need be have someone accompany me to my car.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Hypervigilance After Abuse
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!
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Dark Avoidance, Clothes for Safety
Don't go out after dark alone if I can help it. Let people know where I'm going, when I'm likely to get there. Check in when I reach my destination. Only have one headphone in so I can hear around me. Don't make eye contact with men. Move out of the way for men on pavements. Carry keys in hand as a weapon in quiet car parks. Pretend to be on a call with someone as I walk. Don't take short cuts. Clothes - can I run/defend myself in this? Will I attract unwanted attention?
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Always Share Your Route
I text my friends where I am going, including route taking, and estimated time I’ll be home
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Dorm Talks: Whistles, Consent
I bought my daughters rape whistles, pepper spray and knife rings when they went to college. Gave the entire dorm suites the talk about buddy system. For my son? I told him don’t abuse women, understand enthusiastic consent or I’d neuter him.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Practice Situational Awareness
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.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Reddit
Repulsing Pursuers for Safety
I once shoved fingers down throat and vomited...he stopped following me (I'd heard doing something strange/repulsive would help)
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
BITE
Chew their fucking skin off, chomp on to the face/arms/legs/anything, go full on zombie mode, go for the eyes and work to rip things like lips and ears off
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Self Defense Tips for Women Reddit
Nature Trails? Never Solo
I would never walk alone on a nature trail.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
Loudly Confront Approaching Strangers
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.
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Self Defense Tips for Women Threads
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