Originally Posted by maleficent

If someone grabs you from behind, how is a gun in your purse, or even strapped to your ankle going to help? It seems like a false sense of security to me.

I lived in Upper Manhattan a number of years, my neighborhood itself was safe enough, but it was a 8 block walk from the subway to my apartment, 3 blocks if I cut thru a park to get there, generally pretty late at night, and I was most always by myself. I had pepper spray, in my hand, for the walk home.

The best tip to avoid rape is to not put yourself in that position and always be aware of your surroundings, and walk like you have a purpose, even if you don't have the slightest clue as to where you are. If you think you are being followed, don't go home, always trust your instincts.