Staying Safe when Walking Alone After Dark

Walking alone after dark brings with it many dangers such as robbery, rape and murder. This article is not intended to condone the practice of walking alone after dark. Rather, it is intended for women who cannot avoid walking alone after dark. The following tips will help to keep women safe if they must walk alone after dark.

Staying Safe when Walking Alone After Dark: Park Close to Supermarkets

If you have to dash to the supermarket after work and it is dark by the time you come out, you will have to walk a short distance to your car. But even short walks are fraught with danger. While you are walking across the car park and fumbling for your keys, an opportunist will have the time to sneak up on you and attack you. In order to lessen the possibility of this happening to you, try to ensure that you park your car close to the supermarket preferably in a well lit area, so that you can walk out of the supermarket exit and straight to your car. Do not leave your car keys in your pocket or handbag. It is best to have your car keys with you as you approach the car, so that you can quickly open the car and get away as quickly as possible.

Staying Safe when Walking Alone After Dark: Dress

The old myth of "she was asking for it" is still at the back of some people's minds when they hear of a woman in a short skirt and high heels who has been violently attacked and killed. It is completely false. Women do not ask to be attacked by complete strangers. They are victims. But a woman who watches the way she dresses may be able to deflect attention away from her personal appearance and it can also make it easier to get away if she is approached by an attacker. However fast a woman can run, it will be very difficult to do so in high heels. That is why it is best to choose comfortable walking shoes that will make it easier to get away if need be. The same applies for dresses and skirts that restrict movement. Of course, it is up to women to choose for themselves how they will dress, but if they know they will have to walk any distance after dark, they must also consider how their dress will impact them if they feel threatened by a would-be attacker.

Staying Safe when Walking Alone After Dark: Walk with Purpose

Women who walk with purpose and determination will not stand out so much if an attacker is nearby. Attackers would rather pick on a woman who may seem lost or who walks slowly. When walking, make sure you know exactly where you are going and try to keep to well-lit paths. A short cut often ends up costing women their lives if they venture down the path of an attacker.

Staying Safe when Walking Alone After Dark: Personal Attack Alarm

It is a good idea to invest in a personal attack alarm in case you are attacked when walking alone after dark. Once activated, the sound will likely scare off any attackers and make it possible to reach your destination unharmed. Do not just think that it happens to "other women". Robberies, rapes and murders are happening on an increasing scale. Today, it might be a stranger who lives thousands of miles away who is attacked. But tomorrow it might be you who is attacked. That is why it is best to be prepared so that you can protect yourself in case you fall victim to an attacker.

Women should try to make sure that they limit their movements after dark so that they do not have to walk alone after dark, if at all possible. If they are able to, they should try to make sure that they have a companion with them, so that they can have added protection in case an attacker strikes. A dog is often a good choice if a friend or family member cannot help out. But if this is not possible, the above suggestions are intended as just a guideline.