Recent surveys have shown that in developed countries, men feel significantly safer than women do in the same neighborhoods. In the United States, 45% of women have said that they do not feel safe walking down the street at night versus only 27% of men. While this is a sad statistic, it may not be based on subjective data alone. Although women feel that they are in more danger than men are, they also have fair reason to believe this because many women are targeted by predators on the streets, in their cars, in their homes and online. For men, it is important to take a stand for the females in their families and to find ways to protect wives and daughters from being another statistic of harassment or violence in the neighborhood.

Put House Lights on a Timer

Predators often stake out houses to learn where the bedrooms are. It can be easy for them to see this because the bedroom is typically the last room that is lit in the house. Women can fool possible predators by placing randomized timers on a variety of lamps in the house for a nightly switch-up.

Take Self-Defense Training

Women should learn how to defend themselves against attackers or rapists. Self-defense classes are usually preferable for this as compared to martial arts classes. Martial arts classes can be a huge commitment of time and typically do not teach women specifically how to get out of a variety of holds.

Carry Pepper Spray

Pepper spray can be a cheap, easily obtainable weapon. While it is not ideal for some situations where a quick response is necessary, it is a good choice for women who like to go jogging in the mornings or walking in a local park.

Carry a Concealed Weapon

An even better option is becoming licensed for a concealed carry weapon. Most states that allow this require individuals to take a class to learn how to use the weapon. Women who carry a concealed weapon should find a smart way to hide the weapon in everyday situations, such as by choosing a stylish concealed carry purse, which is nice to have and easy to make an unobtrusive statement with.

Practice Hotel Safety

Even the best hotels are excellent places for predators to lurk. Women staying in hotels should never open the door to the room to anyone unless they know exactly who the person is or have been given solid proof as to why the individual is there. Many predators pose as police officers or hotel staff to fool women. After entering their rooms, women should immediately lock and chain their doors and should check to ensure that the windows are locked.

Practice Safe Traveling at Night

Nighttime is prime time for harassment or assault of women because it is easy for predators to hide in the shadows. Women should always park close to stores and under parking lot lights. Before entering their cars in parking lots, they should check beneath the car for a predator. Women can also ask security guards to walk them to their cars at many businesses, such as malls and hospitals. Finally, women should never be talking on their phones in parking lots at night but should be highly vigilant of their surroundings.

Harassment of women can be anything from catcalls and leering to carjacking and kidnapping. Family men have been entrusted with the task of ensuring that their wives and daughters are fully protected whether they are at home or away from home. Men can use these tips to teach the women in their lives how to be safe and what items they can buy to help ensure their safety.


Written by Rachelle Wilber