I deal with violence by being aware of my surroundings, trusting myself and being prepared for anything. We’re taught to be polite and to be caregivers when we should be taught that if we don’t feel comfortable, we don’t owe anyone anything. I carry a knife almost every day and have been trained to use firearms.
Christine, 37, Austin
As a woman I don’t feel safe in any city after dark and will rarely venture out alone after dark. Although I feel safe in Austin I am constantly aware that almost everyone in Texas carries a gun. Due to Texas gun laws, I feel unsafe out in public. Women are vulnerable to aggression from men if they don’t behave politely. I worry about retaliation.
Texas is a state where women are concerned about the safety of every person they meet. I see guns in coffee shops as well as craft stores and restaurants. I feel intimidated. I stay alert and, most importantly, I trust my instincts. I will always leave a situation that feels strange. I don’t often attend big events and avoid crowds in general. I get panicked when I see people with open-carry and have to avoid large crowds.
GG, 33, Denver
I feel safe in the city I live in because of the close community and how supportive people are of one another; I wouldn’t consider it more dangerous because it’s a big city. There is a lot of love in the area and people are willing to help each other in times of need. Women face daily risks. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and be ready for any situation.
Tracy, 32, Nashville
Nashville has been safer due to the incredible population growth. However, I know others who feel the exact opposite. It all depends on where I am located in the city.
My neighborhood is safe and very residential. However, the police response time in the city is slow, which is worrying. In an emergency situation, I would probably be more inclined to call my neighbors than the police.
My sister says, “A city is a city, no matter how much it feels like a small town.” It can be easy to get caught up in Southern hospitality and let your guard down; you still need to watch your drink here, check the license plates of Ubers you get in— I certainly would never walk around here at night without a group. I grew up having “know your exits” drilled into my head. Over-preparing is my way of coping with anxiety over my safety, whether it’s being home at night, being out at a venue, in a cab, at a bar, etc.
Kate, 35, Chicago
I currently live in a “very safe” neighborhood that just happens to be the middle ground between two feuding gangs, so while I feel 100% safe during the day, I have limited how much I walk around my neighborhood after 10 p.m., just to be safe. When we hear loud booms at night, my husband and I play Fireworks or Gunshots. Although he is more worried about the rise in local gang activity he believes it is temporary.
Source: Glamour