Your Safety - Aware? Paranoid? Dont care?

jellie

In general, women are less physically strong than men, so following from that women are generally easier targets for violence.

Do you feel safe walking alone in the dark?
It depends on the area, some places are dodgier than others, but in most cases I don't.

Do you feel safe at home alone at night?
I know girls who cant stay in their house alone because theyre afraid. Ill stay at home alone but i generally dont sleep too well, especially since a lot of houses around here have been broken into recently.

What do you do to avoid these situations? What precautions do you take?
If I'm in the city centre Ill usually get a taxi short distances at night to avoid having to walk too far alone in the dark. If im in my hometown and have to walk from the bus home at night i'll call someone to have someone to talk to and distract me, & obviously if something happened that person would know if i disappeared off the line.

Would you put yourself in possible danger for a stranger?
What started me thinking about safety was a recent experience where my friends and I came across someone who seemed hurt while we were driving by at night in a very secluded area. The guys wanted to get out of the car and help, but we wouldnt let them. we spoke to the guy out the window, tried to make sure he was ok & called the relevant emergency services. there could so easily have been people hiding in the bushes, or he could have a knife - you just dont know - so we put our own safety first. turns out he got up and started to walk towards the car (after being curled in a ball 2mins before) so we drove off.
basically we put our own safety first, and its sad but the way things are today i think you HAVE to do this, particularly if youre not physically strong (as most females arent) and are in a vulnerable position.

So - are you aware of your safety & possible dangers around you? Are you over the top paranoid about it? do you go out of your way to stay safe?

Clare Bear

Do you feel safe walking alone in the dark?
It depends on the area. If it's a well lit up place and there's a few people around I'm fine. Otherwise I wouldn't walk alone in the dark. Whether that's in a city or in the country. Plus I don't like the dark anyway. The furthest I walk in the dark alone is usually from the Nitelink to my apartment. About a 5 minute walk, it is very quiet and eery but it's a safe area so I'm not too scared walking it.

Do you feel safe at home alone at night?
I don't feel unsafe but I never sleep easy when I'm alone in a house. And I always need a light on.

What do you do to avoid these situations? What precautions do you take?
I just try to avoid situations like that when possible. And be careful of where I go. If I have to and I'm not happy with where I'm walking I'll get a taxi.

Would you put yourself in possible danger for a stranger?


Honestly, no I wouldn't. It's sad but I've heard far too many stories where people going to help someone in need get hurt, injured or even killed. I'd try my best to get help somehow but I wouldn't put myself in danger. As far as I'm concerned my life is more important to me than a stranger's if it puts me in danger. Even if that's not the morally correct thing to do.

Madame Razz

Galway feels like a 'safe' city, so I think that helps. If I lived in Dublin I think I would be more paranoid tbh.

However, that said, I'm aware. I try not to take silly risks or put myself in a risky situations.

I could probably try harder tho.

I generally am not bothered by being home alone, my OH works away a lot of the time, and although we live together, I am home alone quite a bit so I just have to deal with it; I can get spooked on the occasional night alright. I got a dog at the start of the summer tho, and I must admit I do feel a bit safer with him here. And I ahev a night alarm setting on my burglar alarm, which is monitored and also has a panic button. I would be quite security conscious generally aswell tbh.

I would look out for people aswell, like if I saw somebody on their own at night in town or something, lokking abit confused or whatever, I would try to help them.

I have to say I took a lot more risks when I was single tbh, and thinking back on it, even though nothing ever happened, I really was stupid to do the things that I did and put myself in the situations that I did.

I never would, and never have walked home alone. I always stash away a tenner at the start of any night out just to be sure I have a way to get home, and having had a bad experience with a taxi driver a few years back, I always take note of the drivers name, type of car, number etc.

rannerap

i never feel not safe walking at night by myself,i probably should seeing as i live in tallaght!the only thing that makes me uncomfortable is being in the house by myslef,its not taht i feel unsafe its just that im used to having people all around me and it just feels odd when theres no one else there

pikachucheeks

I'd say I'm paranoid, to be honest - and I worry very easily.

A few weeks ago, I had to go to town to a friend's 21st on my own, didn't know the area I was walking around and I got lost. I did get frightened and nervous, because it was dark and when I turned around a corner, there was a group of junkies who started shouting at me!
I ended up running down the road, into a small B&B and asking the woman behind the desk how to get to where I wanted to go. She was lovely and really helped me out... Very thankful for that!

I can honestly say I never want to have to walk around town at night, on my own, again. It was dangerous and when I arrived at the party, I was in a bad mood because of it. Just felt so annoyed none of my friends had text me back about going to the party together, or helping me with directions!

You hear and read so much in the papers about attacks happening to people and it's quite frustrating when people don't take their safety as important and put themselves, or their friends, in risky situations.

Madame Razz

Clare Bear wrote: »

Would you put yourself in possible danger for a stranger?


Honestly, no I wouldn't. It's sad but I've heard far too many stories where people going to help someone in need get hurt, injured or even killed. I'd try my best to get help somehow but I wouldn't put myself in danger. As far as I'm concerned my life is more important to me than a stranger's if it puts me in danger. Even if that's not the morally correct thing to do.

That's actually a fair point.

I think situations like that can sometimes be a hoax too, so in saying that I would help somebody alone and distressed, I think it would honestly depend on the given situation at the time.


I certainly wouldn't put myself in actual danger for somebody, but sya somebody was walking on their own, well, then as a group we'd ask if they wanted to walk with us or whatever.

minidazzler

I live in a safe enough area, but I still sleep with an extendable Baton next to my bed and a few more dotted around the house.

Also have one or 2 very real looking toy guns, they are a diversion so I can get a to a proper weapon if needed.

I am prepared rather than Paranoid I think.

Madame Razz

This thread has just reminded me that I must invest in a wheel brace for the car.

jellie

Clare Bear wrote: »

Would you put yourself in possible danger for a stranger?

Honestly, no I wouldn't. It's sad but I've heard far too many stories where people going to help someone in need get hurt, injured or even killed. I'd try my best to get help somehow but I wouldn't put myself in danger. As far as I'm concerned my life is more important to me than a stranger's if it puts me in danger. Even if that's not the morally correct thing to do.

Im the same, you hear so many storied about people have been injured trying to help someone. my mums friends son was stabbed & killed when he tried to help a women being beaten by her bf. sometimes youre safer to keep to yourself, its sad but true.

Madame Razz wrote: »

Galway feels like a 'safe' city, so I think that helps. If I lived in Dublin I think I would be more paranoid tbh.

However, that said, I'm aware. I try not to take silly risks or put myself in a risky situations.

i think feeling safe can sometimes be bad thing. at least youre aware and dont take silly risks. i have a friend who insists shes safe walking on her own no matter where she is. she lived in the city centre for awhile and would always walk home alone at night saying its fine. shes always taking stupid risks like that. shes very lucky nothing has ever happened to her, but shes very stupid too.

pikachucheeks wrote: »

I'd say I'm paranoid, to be honest - and I worry very easily.

A few weeks ago, I had to go to town to a friend's 21st on my own, didn't know the area I was walking around and I got lost. I did get frightened and nervous, because it was dark and when I turned around a corner, there was a group of junkies who started shouting at me!
I ended up running down the road, into a small B&B and asking the woman behind the desk how to get to where I wanted to go. She was lovely and really helped me out... Very thankful for that!

I can honestly say I never want to have to walk around town at night, on my own, again. It was dangerous and when I arrived at the party, I was in a bad mood because of it. Just felt so annoyed none of my friends had text me back about going to the party together, or helping me with directions!

You hear and read so much in the papers about attacks happening to people and it's quite frustrating when people don't take their safety as important and put themselves, or their friends, in risky situations.

i think for me id never have gone wandering in town looking for somewhere i didnt know, you never know where youll end up. id definitely get a taxi if that was the case. though often taxi drivers dont know the place either, which doesnt really help :rolleyes:

Madame Razz

sar84 wrote: »

i think feeling safe can sometimes be bad thing. at least youre aware and dont take silly risks. i have a friend who insists shes safe walking on her own no matter where she is. she lived in the city centre for awhile and would always walk home alone at night saying its fine. shes always taking stupid risks like that. shes very lucky nothing has ever happened to her, but shes very stupid too.

I know what you mean. even in Galway city centre tho there are places I wouldn't walk alone tbh.

I think the smoking ban has been positive in this regard actually. Pubs in Galway now usually have people outside them smoking, so it does bring an added presene to the streets; they're not as lonely as they used to be.

I'd never walk around Dublin alone tho; or Cork. Or my home town actually, but that's prob because it's more dangerous than Dublin and Crok put together at night time:rolleyes:

Khannie

Jaysus. This thread is a real eye opener.

Madame Razz

Khannie wrote: »

Jaysus. This thread is a real eye opener.

In what way???

Khannie

Madame Razz wrote: »

In what way???

Eh...well....everyone seems to be living in fear to be honest. I think that's crap. I'm not. Maybe I should be.

Also, initially I was somewhat surprised at the lack of peoples desire to intervene to help out a randomer, but it is possibly a gender specific thing - i.e. that a male will /generally/ be stronger and therefore /generally/ is less at risk when intervening in an unspecified situation. I know that's very general, and waffley, but you get the idea. I'd say I'd be likely to put myself at risk to help someone who I felt needed it (edit: depending on the situation of course). I have done so before and it's worked out well for me (and them!). Also, I'd like to think that someone would help people that I care about if they needed it. You know, in a "what goes around" kind of way.

I'm waffling.

Madame Razz

Khannie wrote: »

Eh...well....everyone seems to be living in fear to be honest. I think that's crap. I'm not. Maybe I should be.

Also, initially I was somewhat surprised at the lack of peoples desire to intervene to help out a randomer, but it is possibly a gender specific thing - i.e. that a male will /generally/ be stronger and therefore /generally/ is less at risk when intervening in an unspecified situation. I know that's very general, and waffley, but you get the idea. I'd say I'd be likely to put myself at risk to help someone who I felt needed it (edit: depending on the situation of course). I have done so before and it's worked out well for me (and them!). Also, I'd like to think that someone would help people that I care about if they needed it. You know, in a "what goes around" kind of way.

I'm waffling.

I wouldn't think that I'm living in fear tbh, personally speaking anyway.

I do think you have a point on the gender thing. Women defiantely are more vulnerable at night than men in the main, I realise that there are exceptions to this, but generally speaking.

minidazzler

After reading Khannies post I realised my post made it seem like I am living in Fear. Sure there are Batons/weapons hidden all over my house, but that's not really paranoia or fear for me. It's just my brother hangs out with an unsavory bunch so I am prepared, they know I have them so I don't envision anything happening again, but if it does I will have my fun.

I would have no problem helping someone in need of assistance. I have been helped in the past, and while I don't believe in Karma, I do believe in paying it forward.

Cookie Jar

I live in the city center so most so most of the time im walking alone in the dark there would be plenty of cars around.
I don't think I've ever been in the situation that I'm afriad to walk alone in the dark.

I don't like being at home alone.. not sure if its fear or just not wanting to be alone.

I would like to think I would help a stranger in need if it was to my ability but have never been in a situation where I was needed.

jellie

Khannie wrote: »

Eh...well....everyone seems to be living in fear to be honest. I think that's crap. I'm not. Maybe I should be.

I dont think we're necessarily living in fear, more being aware of possible danger and taking precaution. id prefer for someone to have a slight fear & be CAREFUL rather than the opposite, doing something like having no fear and taking stupid risks like walking in a dodgy area alone at night.

Khannie wrote: »

Also, initially I was somewhat surprised at the lack of peoples desire to intervene to help out a randomer, but it is possibly a gender specific thing - i.e. that a male will /generally/ be stronger and therefore /generally/ is less at risk when intervening in an unspecified situation. I know that's very general, and waffley, but you get the idea. I'd say I'd be likely to put myself at risk to help someone who I felt needed it (edit: depending on the situation of course). I have done so before and it's worked out well for me (and them!). Also, I'd like to think that someone would help people that I care about if they needed it. You know, in a "what goes around" kind of way.

Youre a mod of Self Defence & martial arts so id guess youre pretty good at handling yourself and danger to your person, but not everyone is, particularly girls. if someone is hiding in a bush and jumps you youre far more likely to be able to defend yourself. and its probably far less likely that they WOULD jump you if you have the physique of someone big into martial arts (thats me presuming youre big & muscley i know you dont neccesarily have to be to do that stuff).

i think were better to be cautious than careless.

Professey Chin

I dont remember anytime I didnt feel safe really
No matter what city ive been in, ive always walked back to my house/where I was staying if at all possible(obviously distance is a factor in this).
Then again ive never had a reason to not feel safe. Only a couple people have ever tried to start on me and it was never something that made me feel at risk.
That being said though I am always aware of my surroundings and take precautions as necessary so I never really tune out

Khannie

sar84 wrote: »

I dont think we're necessarily living in fear, more being aware of possible danger and taking precaution. id prefer for someone to have a slight fear & be CAREFUL rather than the opposite, doing something like having no fear and taking stupid risks like walking in a dodgy area alone at night.

Couldn't agree more. Personal safety is mostly (IMO) about not getting yourself in a situation where your safety may be compromised (i.e. avoiding the unlit way home, etc.). You can be sure that I avoid the side of the quays with the junkies on it when I'm on my way home from training.

sar84 wrote: »

Youre a mod of Self Defence & martial arts so id guess youre pretty good at handling yourself and danger to your person, but not everyone is, particularly girls. if someone is hiding in a bush and jumps you youre far more likely to be able to defend yourself. and its probably far less likely that they WOULD jump you if you have the physique of someone big into martial arts (thats me presuming youre big & muscley i know you dont neccesarily have to be to do that stuff).

I'm not big or muscley. I weigh around 10st. I'm lean and fit and yes I can look after myself but I'm not invulnerable or anything like it. If anything I'm more likely to avoid physical confrontation than the average pisshead. Minidazzler's right though, I got a shock at his extending baton thing (badum-tish!).

sar84 wrote: »

i think were better to be cautious than careless.

Absolutely.

metaoblivia

I generally feel safe.
I live in the US, and despite the assumption that the US must be a very unsafe place to live because of our gun crime (and other crime), most places are really very safe. There's a sharp divide between the "good" neighborhoods and the "bad" neighborhoods. I think nothing of walking alone at night in Cambridge or downtown Boston or my own little suburban town. Now would I walk alone at night in Roxbury (a Boston neighborhood)? No, don't think I'd chance it. And of course, crime can happen in the "good" neighborhoods too - no place on earth is immune to crime - it's just not very common.

I feel safe at home. I live alone on the first floor. I keep my doors and windows locked, and aside from that, don't give it much thought.

The way I see it, take the normal safety precautions, be aware of your surroundings, but don't let the fear of what may happen get in the way of living your life.

Novella

Do you feel safe walking alone in the dark?
I actually do. I live in inner city Dublin and have often wandered around Sheriff Street etc at night time. The worst thing that's ever happened was a guy, about 14 or 15, shouted at me, "Alri' luv, any chance of a shag?!! :rolleyes: I sometimes wander home from town after a night out as well. I'd never walk if I was sober but that's just because I'm lazy!! Again, nothing has ever happened that would put me off. I actually made friends with two guys one night who happen to live in the same apartment complex as me!

I understand why everyone is so paranoid though. It's probably a bad thing that I have a sort of 'fcuk it' attitude towards my safety.

Do you feel safe at home alone at night?
God, yes! I live on my own and I feel completely safe in my apartment. I never think that anyone is gonna break in or whatever. Tbh, my only worry is that it'll go on fire and I'll get trapped upstairs. That's just because I grew up in a bungalow though and when I was younger I heard a story about two kids who lived close to my grandparents who got trapped in the upstairs of a house and perished in a fire.

What do you do to avoid these situations? What precautions do you take?
I do nothing to avoid these situations and take no precautions. I guess I used to be more wary but I've been living and working in Dublin for a good while now (and not in the nicest of areas) and nothing has ever happened that has caused me reason to worry.

I hear all the stories, of course but I don't want to be one of those people who lives a life full of worry and what if's. I tend to look for the good in people and not presume that everyone or anyone is out to cause me any harm.

I'd hate to constantly be walking down the street and thinking that something awful might happen to me. I mean, I used to live in a place that had a really freaky underground carpark. Every time I was in it, I got chills down my spine and when I made it to my apartment, I literally used to breathe a sigh of relief! If I was constantly like that, I would actually be worried that there was something wrong with me. Living with that kind of paranoia can't be healthy, imo.

Would you put yourself in possible danger for a stranger?
It honestly depends on the situation. I, more than likely, wouldn't hop out of my car in the middle of nowhere to help someone, especially at night. God, is that terrible? However, if a friend or something needed my help and by helping, I was putting myself in a compromising position, I would definitely still do it. I wouldn't be able to live with myself thinking I could have helped a friend or family or whatever but instead fcuked off to save my own ass.



The bottom line is, I don't go outta my way to stay safe but yet, I never feel threatened.

Snowie

minidazzler wrote: »

I live in a safe enough area, but I still sleep with an extendable Baton next to my bed and a few more dotted around the house.

Also have one or 2 very real looking toy guns, they are a diversion so I can get a to a proper weapon if needed.

I am prepared rather than Paranoid I think.

:rolleyes:


please say your joking ?

minidazzler

Snow-Monkey wrote: »

:rolleyes:


please say your joking ?

I'm not. I explained in a post after it the reasoning behind it. Next time I put a pic in KYL I'll show the Batons.

Earthhorse

pikachucheeks wrote: »

I can honestly say I never want to have to walk around town at night, on my own, again. It was dangerous and when I arrived at the party, I was in a bad mood because of it. Just felt so annoyed none of my friends had text me back about going to the party together, or helping me with directions!

Perhaps it wasn't a possibility this time around but whenever I'm going somewhere new like that I check it out on Google maps first.

On the whole intervening in a situation thing I think that's totally case dependent and no one can really know until they're in the situation.

LadyE

After reading this thread I feel like Im kinda living in a bubble. Ive always had the 'it will never happen to me' mentality.

I think Im far too trusting, walking through the backstreets of the city alone at about 3am in the morning a couple of years ago, I was approached by two or three fellas, insisting that they walk me all the way to the taxi rank because I shouldn't have been walking in that particular area on my own at the at hour of the night, I always thought what lovely fellas they were - but then what eejit am I, those nice fellas could have been one horrible guy and then where would I have ended up. Now that Im older and wiser Id like to think that I wouldnt put myself in the same situation. I would walk any of the streets in town on my own at night (if it had adequate street lighting), but would avoid lanes now. More often or not now, Id be in a taxi, because Im lazy

Id walk anywhere in my town, but then thats relativly safe.

I live mostly alone with my young son, and whilst Im not scared at night, I do want someone there, even if its for company. And if I am afraid, it would be more about ghosts than robbers etc . Id I was feeling particularly bad, Id grab my son in my bed for a cuddle and then Im ok.

As for putting myself in danger for a stranger. Not a hope. Im a mother and have to put that first, regardless if my son was with me Id think that if anything happened to me, injured or worse, then it would make his life harder so I just dont put myself in that situation.

Dudess

Do you feel safe walking alone in the dark?

In built-up areas yeah (obviously there are places to be avoided - Cork's generally fine though; ditto Dublin - it's pretty obvious when you're off the beaten track anyway in the case of both). I wouldn't do it in a deserted area though.

Do you feel safe at home alone at night?

Oh yeah, no prob - second-floor apartment, built-up area. There can be a bit of trouble at night as there are loads of pubs around - fights on the street, cars getting smashed up unfortunately at times, but nobody seems to bother people in their homes.

What do you do to avoid these situations? What precautions do you take?

Taxi.

Would you put yourself in possible danger for a stranger?

Depends.

Lovelyjaws

I thought extendable batons were illegal.

shellyboo

Khannie wrote: »

Eh...well....everyone seems to be living in fear to be honest. I think that's crap. I'm not. Maybe I should be.

I don't think anyone who posted is living in fear, I think they're just aware of possible dangers.

I'm not surprised at people saying they keep weapons about the house - my ex used to keep a big stick thing by our bed, and while I kinda laughed at him about it, I realise now that I'd have been pretty damn grateful to have a large man brandishing a large stick to protect me were anything to happen.


Do you feel safe walking alone in the dark?

100% depends on where I am. If I'm on "home turf", certain areas on the Southside that I know well, I wouldn't think twice about it. But in an unfamiliar area, I'd be more nervous and more aware. Things like wandering through town to the Nightlink at 3am doesn't bother me, because there's loads of people around. It's quiet, secluded areas that give me the heebie-jeebies.

That said, I always do the "text me when you get home" thing with my mates, and I would worry if they didn't.


Do you feel safe at home alone at night?
Yes, totally. Moreso now in Dublin than in Donegal, bizarrely - it used to be the opposite way around! I used to be freaked at home on my own in Dublin, but now I realise that I have neighbours who'd hear if something happened (I hope) and I'd be safer because there are more people around. In Donegal, it's just me and my doggy!

What do you do to avoid these situations? What precautions do you take?

Em, none really. I'm a lazy wagon anyway, I wouldn't be walking long distances at any time of the day or night. If I can get a taxi, I do... but therein lies another danger. Absolutely not disparaging taxi drivers, but you wouldn't know who you're getting into a car with. Imo, you're taking equal risk either way.

Would you put yourself in possible danger for a stranger?

I'd like to say no, but I'm a bit of a softy really. I probably would go out of my way to help someone and then later think "oh dear, that was a bit risky".

Snowie

minidazzler wrote: »

I'm not. I explained in a post after it the reasoning behind it. Next time I put a pic in KYL I'll show the Batons.

Iregardless to some one who doesnt no its shoots plastic pellets its still seen as a wepon and breaking into some ones house is bad, but pointing a gun or what some one beleaves to be a gun is about 20 times worse.....
The law would more then likely see the theifs side... Over your's better of with something less threatining... Like a dog a big one with teath :pac: and a little sticker saying gaurd dog on the front window or by the front door

Last time some one picked a fight with me I offered him a cigerate and we had a grand old chat.... Then by some sort of magic he changed his mind and decided he didnt want to tfight me starnge that

Boston

Khannie wrote: »

Eh...well....everyone seems to be living in fear to be honest. I think that's crap. I'm not. Maybe I should be.

Also, initially I was somewhat surprised at the lack of peoples desire to intervene to help out a randomer, but it is possibly a gender specific thing - i.e. that a male will /generally/ be stronger and therefore /generally/ is less at risk when intervening in an unspecified situation. I know that's very general, and waffley, but you get the idea. I'd say I'd be likely to put myself at risk to help someone who I felt needed it (edit: depending on the situation of course). I have done so before and it's worked out well for me (and them!). Also, I'd like to think that someone would help people that I care about if they needed it. You know, in a "what goes around" kind of way.

I'm waffling.

The last thing on earth I would do is step in when some lad is beating the crap out of his girlfriend. No sooner do you step in then they forget they had a problem with each other and both of them turn on you. If he's beating her in public, its not the first time which means she "really loves him" and isn't going to take kindly to me breaking his jaw. If a someone is calling for help, especially a woman, then its a different story but I've heard too many stories about "heros" jumping into domestics and coming away cut up/beaten up and no thank yous.

Morgase

shellyboo wrote: »

Do you feel safe walking alone in the dark?

100% depends on where I am. If I'm on "home turf", certain areas on the Southside that I know well, I wouldn't think twice about it. But in an unfamiliar area, I'd be more nervous and more aware. Things like wandering through town to the Nightlink at 3am doesn't bother me, because there's loads of people around. It's quiet, secluded areas that give me the heebie-jeebies.

Same here. Funnily enough I would have felt safer walking at night in Dublin than walking at night in Wicklow. Probably due to the fact that Wicklow is so quiet and there's very few on the streets.

Do you feel safe at home alone at night?

Yes, whether it was in Dublin houses / apartments, or now in my own house in the town or in a middle of nowhere country house. Once I lock that front door I feel very safe.

What do you do to avoid these situations? What precautions do you take?

I'm not in Dublin anymore but walking around the streets at night then I would try to appear very confident and aware of my surroundings. I would also blank anyone who spoke to me at night, and just keep walking, even if there were people with me.

Would you put yourself in possible danger for a stranger?

I wouldn't. I'm small and weak and very aware of that.