As independent citizens of a fairly free country, women nowadays are often independent when it comes to commuting to places and carrying out daily activities. We no longer depend on others to do our bidding because the 21st century woman is all about independence. Although it’s great that we can run errands on our own, we also should always remember that there are still predators out there. For that, here’s a list of things girls who are often alone should know to protect themselves.
1. Don’t have your earphones on when you’re walking from one place to another
Having one of your senses totally blocked out is a bad idea when you’re walking from one place to another. When you have music blasting in your ears, you’re not aware of your surroundings. This makes you an easy target. So, remember to always keep your senses alert, especially for any suspicious sounds approaching from behind.
2. Don’t hold your keys between your fingers, research says it’s actually useless
Source: Defend
YES, do NOT do this! Contrary to popular belief, holding your keys between your fingers is a BAD idea. When you hold your keys between your fingers and punch something with full force, you’re most likely to break your fingers than actually hurting the predator. Instead, you should be holding your keys in a hammer grip as it’s safe and has more power.
Source: Lifehacker
3. It’s been said over a million times, get pepper spray and bring it everywhere you go
This is absolutely not Malaysian culture – even though we know how important it is. You’ve heard it on the news and from family and friends but you probably still haven’t had the time to get yourself one. The thought of you ever falling victim seems far fetched but honestly, you can never be too careful. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so equip yourself with a weapon to defend yourself in times of need.
4. Throw those high heels away and run, or use it as a weapon
If you’re wearing high heels, don’t be afraid to chuck them and run bare feet! Yes, even if those babies costed you a kidney! High heels are gonna get you hurt and slow you down, thus, making it super easy for the attackers to get you. Although high heels may be a burden in situations like these, it also has the potential to be a weapon. If you have no choice and the predator has already gotten their hands on you, use your high heels as a weapon!
5. Share your live location with a loved one and let them know you’re about to be alone for awhile
There are a few apps that actually share live locations to loved ones and send notifications to them when it thinks you’re in distress such as bSafe, Companion and more. Not to mention, WhatsApp has recently added on a live location feature. This is great because you can share it your loved ones and let them know you’re gonna be alone for a while so if anything comes up, they’ll know where to find you.
Also read: 8 Things Malaysian Girls are Really Sick of Hearing
