Women should be able to walk and run without being told to stay home, find a man to accompany them or give up the activities they enjoy.
A few preparations may give you more options if something goes wrong. They cannot make an unsafe public space safe, and they do not shift responsibility onto you.
Before you leave
Consider:
- telling someone which general route you are taking;
- giving them an estimated return time;
- agreeing on what they should do if you do not check in;
- checking that your phone has sufficient battery;
- setting up your phone’s emergency functions;
- carrying identification and important medical information; and
- checking whether your running or walking group has an emergency process.
Choose how much route information you share publicly. Posting your regular route and times on an open social-media account may expose more information than you intend.
While you are out
Keep emergency items where you can reach them. A phone or personal alarm buried beneath other items will take time to find.
If you use earphones, consider whether the volume or noise-cancelling function prevents you from hearing traffic, people or other activity nearby.
Pay attention to changes around you. If a person or vehicle appears repeatedly, move towards a busy place and call for help. Do not lead someone you suspect is following you to your home.
When plans change
Send a quick update if you change your route or expect to be late. A check-in plan only works when the other person knows when to act.
Preparation may help. It is never a guarantee, and an attack is never the result of a woman failing to prepare properly.
