Since I am a martial artist too I will try to give some tips for you all to be able to defend yourselves or be prepared for aggressive encounters. I will update the thread as much as I can and I also invite you to do so

1. Don't think it cannot happen to you!

This would be the first advice I can give to you all. It might never happened to you, but it can surely happen one day. And the most attacks (sexual attacks mostly) come from PEOPLE YOU KNOW. Many times the raper is someone you know, a close friend or an aquaintance. Don't rely on the fact you know someone. Be alert at all times.

2. Don't walk at night alone.

Yeah, sure you'll say. I have to do this, I have to walk at night home from work. If you have to do so, try to be in a group. Another coleague or a group can be a good idea.

Don't try new routes. Try to get home ASAP on the route you know and it's LIGHTED. it's not the time for a nice romantic walk in the park alone. Don't do this or you're asking for trouble.

Don't walk close to vans or big cars. Yes, you might get drawn into one before you can realise it's happening to you.

Don't walk with a lazy/tired pace. Most of the attackers are predators: they look for weak victims. Having a sporty pace, showing strenght and speed might save your life. No predator wants to get into the trouble with a strong woman. if you can look like this, you might just not get "picked" by the prospective attacker.

Ramona, thank you for sharing it to us. It is a big help...really.
Your caring and concern is very much appreciated. I will follow everything you've said.

*hugs*

Self confidence and wise choices.. Don't see yourself as a victim, I am no one's victim. I am strong, powerful and wise.
Take Tae Kwon Do, it's builds your confidence, body strength and it's a lot of fun along with the hard work.
Most Martial arts schools teach self defense, you don't have to learn the marital art part as it takes years to be affective. Self defense can be learned and useful in a very short time.

Smiles,
Donna

thanks for those tips.

When I was in the mid shift, my work ends at around 10 pm, my office is in a business district so there's still lots of people but on the way to my house, its dark and few people on the street. As a precaution I used to carry pepper spray but I always wish that I wouldn't have to use it. The technique I guess is to pretend (or be) confident and don't scare yourself with ugly thoughts, it will only make you feel paranoid. Walk fast as you can and I seldom walk along with other girls or old women to have a "company"

I don't use my phone on the street, I prepare my bills so I don't have to take out my wallet and as we say to children don't talk to strangers

those are just some of the precaution that I used to do