4 General Tips for Women To Stay Safe In Public
By Lily Scheckner
By Lily Scheckner
Hello, readers. You may know me as the department head for Leisure, which includes Entertainment, People, Sports, and more. But this week I am veering off course to discuss something that has been in the news a lot recently, and rightfully so--women’s safety in public. I know what you’re thinking. I’m in middle school. Why would I need to know anything about public safety? And honestly, you shouldn’t have to know any of this. But that doesn’t change the fact that if you are a girl, no matter if you are in middle school or college, you have thought one of these things to yourself. I can’t go out running alone, at night. I can’t make eye contact with someone on the sidewalk or they might take it as permission to harass me. I have to turn on my location at all times. I have to ask my mom to buy me pepper spray. I have to change my outfit, or put on a sweatshirt. I sincerely hope that this has never happened. But if it has, maybe take one of these tips into consideration.
1. Walk with a friend whenever possible. I know this is difficult, especially during the pandemic. But speaking from experience, you will feel so much safer with a buddy. Next time you go on a walk, text your friend to see if she or he is up to come along.
2. Keep your hands free. By keeping objects out of your grasp, you can easily fend off a physical attack, or at least display confident body language should someone get too close. And YES! That includes your phone. Countless statistics and reports say that someone who looks distracted (by texts, social media, etc) is an easy target to attackers. Keep your phone out of your hands… but still close by in case of an emergency.
3. Keep an eye on nearby businesses. If you ever think you are being followed or are in danger in any way, identify the nearest credible business. Whether it’s a Starbucks or a Whole Foods or an Apple store, see if you can duck in for a second. Chances are, the employees will be sympathetic and help you in any way they can.
4. Don’t be afraid to be vocal. I know. It may seem dramatic to just start screaming, especially if you’re in the middle of the street. But someone along that street is probably able to hear you. And if you truly feel unsafe enough to yell for help, nobody is going to judge you for it.
You have no idea how much I wish this isn’t something a middle school newspaper should have to publish. But unfortunately, it is. Stay safe, friends.
Sources
Image Source: otj247.com/blog/page/68/you-are-all-you-have-tips-on-women-safety/
https://www.instructables.com/Basic-Street-Safety-for-Women/
1. Walk with a friend whenever possible. I know this is difficult, especially during the pandemic. But speaking from experience, you will feel so much safer with a buddy. Next time you go on a walk, text your friend to see if she or he is up to come along.
2. Keep your hands free. By keeping objects out of your grasp, you can easily fend off a physical attack, or at least display confident body language should someone get too close. And YES! That includes your phone. Countless statistics and reports say that someone who looks distracted (by texts, social media, etc) is an easy target to attackers. Keep your phone out of your hands… but still close by in case of an emergency.
3. Keep an eye on nearby businesses. If you ever think you are being followed or are in danger in any way, identify the nearest credible business. Whether it’s a Starbucks or a Whole Foods or an Apple store, see if you can duck in for a second. Chances are, the employees will be sympathetic and help you in any way they can.
4. Don’t be afraid to be vocal. I know. It may seem dramatic to just start screaming, especially if you’re in the middle of the street. But someone along that street is probably able to hear you. And if you truly feel unsafe enough to yell for help, nobody is going to judge you for it.
You have no idea how much I wish this isn’t something a middle school newspaper should have to publish. But unfortunately, it is. Stay safe, friends.
Sources
Image Source: otj247.com/blog/page/68/you-are-all-you-have-tips-on-women-safety/
https://www.instructables.com/Basic-Street-Safety-for-Women/