Ladies How do you feel about your personal safety?

miss5

I'm interested to find out how women feel about their personal safety in 2010 Ireland? Personally I wouldn't walk down the street after a certain time alone and I'm generally very cautious otherwise. I have friends who
feel the complete opposite but most agree.
How safe to you feel in general? Is it a concern of yours? What measure
do you take to ensure your personal safety?

akamossy

I have a habit of walking home alone from places really late at night sometimes, I do get scared when walking past groups of people late at night though. I would rather have someone with me.

cynder

Yep i feel safe. Always have been independent. lived on my own since i was 16 walked home alone at 2 in the morning, i would still do it now but my hubby is very protective.

If someone jumped me i would give it my all, gouge out there eyes, bite so hard there fingers would be bitten off, fight dirty until the last.

If its my time then its my time but I'm not losing my independence because of a few losers out there looking for a thrill.

princess-lala

When Im at home and in the area Im fine, at night I would be extra cautious but still would walk down the street on my own!

Now Dublin thats a total different story :eek: I wouldnt walk anywhere at night on my own, thats just because Id probably get lost, during the day in town Im grand though

Novella

Tbh, most of the time I don't think about my safety at all. I grew up in a really quiet area, just my house and the one beside it for miles and miles. Nothing bad ever happened. You could leave the doors unlocked and go out and everything would be fine. My parents were often out, leaving just myself and my brother so I think I've always been pretty independent and living by myself is no biggie, I just don't need others to feel safe. I suppose I grew up in a bit of bubble, never really aware that it was important to be cautious.

Now that I live in an apartment block where I know none of my neighbours, I kind of feel a little less secure. If I shouted for help, would anyone actually bother checking on me? Doubt it. Plus the area I live in isn't the best. I don't think about it too much though, often wander to the shop in the middle of the night.

I think if I worried more about my safety, I'd just end up becoming really paranoid and always feeling really nervous. I mean, I lock my doors and that kind of thing so I'm not careless, but I'd pretty much walk anywhere by myself without a second thought.

lola84

ladies i learned my lesson i will never walk home on my own again!!i was followed by a car one night when walking home from a friends house, i had a few glasses of wine and didnt feel safe to drive so i taught hey nice night and all ill walk the half mile!!!!never again a car passed me by and i didnt think about it as i walked on i could see the car turning around and heading towards me at this stage i i kind of taught oh ok this might not be good and began to walk faster as i was not far off home,when the car reached me it stoped and all i see was the passenger door open and a man get out and proceeded to walk towards me. my instinct told me to run, and hell did i run as fast as i could. while shouting my head off i really taught something bad was going to happen. i reached my house in record time and bascially ran threw my front door i was so scared. i know whatever the intention of this man was it wasnt good.i would have reported the car to gards if i had gotton the reg but was in such a state i couldnt even tell you what type of car it was because i just taught about running as fast as i could. so my advice is be so carefull never walk alone because you just dont know.

Faith

I'm extremely paranoid. Hate walking anywhere on my own after dark, and even during the day in certain areas I get paranoid. I was walking my dog at lunchtime today (a big labrador) and was walking along a deserted path that most people don't know about. I walk it most days and it's nearly always uneventful. But today, half way along, I encountered two scumbags of the highest order, playing with a quad bike. I was genuinely scared because there was no-one else around. I put my dog on the lead and just walked as fast as I could until I was out of their sight, and then ran the rest of the way until I got to a path with loads of people.

I keep meaning to take a self-defense class, but never get around to it. I'm generally just very wary when I'm alone and I avoid certain areas.

miss5

lola84 wrote: »

ladies i learned my lesson i will never walk home on my own again!!i was followed by a car one night when walking home from a friends house, i had a few glasses of wine and didnt feel safe to drive so i taught hey nice night and all ill walk the half mile!!!!never again a car passed me by and i didnt think about it as i walked on i could see the car turning around and heading towards me at this stage i i kind of taught oh ok this might not be good and began to walk faster as i was not far off home,when the car reached me it stoped and all i see was the passenger door open and a man get out and proceeded to walk towards me. my instinct told me to run, and hell did i run as fast as i could. while shouting my head off i really taught something bad was going to happen. i reached my house in record time and bascially ran threw my front door i was so scared. i know whatever the intention of this man was it wasnt good.i would have reported the car to gards if i had gotton the reg but was in such a state i couldnt even tell you what type of car it was because i just taught about running as fast as i could. so my advice is be so carefull never walk alone because you just dont know.

Thanks for sharing that, I have had some similar experiences and they
are terrifying. I guess we sometimes take our personal safety for granted.
I know we should be able to come and go as we please without worrying
but it's not always possible.

miss5

Faith wrote: »

I'm extremely paranoid. Hate walking anywhere on my own after dark, and even during the day in certain areas I get paranoid. I was walking my dog at lunchtime today (a big labrador) and was walking along a deserted path that most people don't know about. I walk it most days and it's nearly always uneventful. But today, half way along, I encountered two scumbags of the highest order, playing with a quad bike. I was genuinely scared because there was no-one else around. I put my dog on the lead and just walked as fast as I could until I was out of their sight, and then ran the rest of the way until I got to a path with loads of people.

I keep meaning to take a self-defense class, but never get around to it. I'm generally just very wary when I'm alone and I avoid certain areas.

Good point Faith,Has anyone taken self defence? I'm strongly
considering it myself.

Dudess

Very relaxed (complacent?) about it. Random attacks are not the norm.

rainbow kirby

miss5 wrote: »

Good point Faith,Has anyone taken self defence? I'm strongly
considering it myself.

I trained in martial arts for 12 years. I've only had to actually use my training twice, once when a skanger tried to pick a fight while I was waiting for a bus at the Square, and another time when a drunk guy was trying to get a bit grabby while I was waiting for a Nitelink. While my training was useful, the reality is that all the training in the world is not going to change the fact that at my size it's going to be relatively easy for someone determined to physically overpower me.

That said, I actually rarely think about my personal safety beyond keeping a general awareness of what's around me. I'm not going to let any idiots (or the fear of said idiots) out there stop me from going where I want, when I want.

JB 25

Hi girls,
I just completed a self defence course and I thought it was excellent. I feel much more confident. It made me much more aware and in case anything would ever happen I know many techniques how to get away. I would recommend it to everyone! PM me if you want details on the course because I don't know if I am allowed to advertise. JB

Kya1976

Did martial arts for a few years but it wouldn't really make me feel safer. Think it'll all go out the window if I was attacked.:o

I feel fairly safe though when I'm out:)

Erren Music

Novella wrote: »

Tbh, most of the time I don't think about my safety at all.

Now that I live in an apartment block where I know none of my neighbours, I kind of feel a little less secure. If I shouted for help, would anyone actually bother checking on me?

There is also the danger that it is a domestic, and by getting involved you run the risk of being attacked by both members of the couple.

If you were walking home late and dark, and I was out walking minding my own business, is there anything I could do to make you feel more secure, ie walk on the other side of street etc

I am very cautious and I think women who are all 'oh I just walk around at whatever time, it's grand' are a bit naive/stupid rather than brave. Where I live, anyway, and definitely where I lived in Dublin. I'm not implying that anyone who is attacked at night deserved it or anything like that, but I don't think I'm being silly by avoiding doing it wherever I possibly can. I'm independent and confident but independence and confidence isn't going to beat a big guy dragging me down an alley. The BF and I were messing in the kitchen the other day and he grabbed me so I couldn't get away and I got a bit upset as I realised how truly weak and vulnerable I am, physically. I don't feel weak and vulnerable, but the fact is, I'm 5'4 and 8 stone. If a guy decides to pull me down an alley, what can I do? There have been several rapes in Soho in London, near where I live, and now I am very, very wary walking around there. I think people get a false sense of security because it's so busy and central.

I still generally do what I want, but I will avoid walking alone whenever I can, and when I do, I'm always very aware of my surroundings, no talking on the phone, crossing the road if I see a dodgy looking group approaching, etc.

Lia_lia

I'm way too relaxed about the whole thing. Always have been. Often walked around Dublin/Cork late at night on my own. Never been attacked or anything. I did karate for years but I dunno would that help at all. Even though people are often surprised at how strong I am. I don't know.

LenaClaire

I have taken Tae Kwon Do, Karate and Akido and I think it makes me more confident. But more than any fancy moves what makes me feel safer is knowing weak points that are easy to hit and cause a lot of pain. If you can get them to let go you can run away.

Novella

Erren Music wrote: »

There is also the danger that it is a domestic, and by getting involved you run the risk of being attacked by both members of the couple.

If you were walking home late and dark, and I was out walking minding my own business, is there anything I could do to make you feel more secure, ie walk on the other side of street etc

If I was home and I heard somebody shouting for help, the last thing I'd think was, "Better not get involved in case I get attacked". I would want to help.

I don't mind walking on the street alone in the dark. I guess it is a bit creepy if someone is right behind you but really, I probably wouldn't notice unless they were unusually close.

Erren Music

[quote=[Deleted User];65560126]I am very cautious and I think women who are all 'oh I just walk around at whatever time, it's grand' are a bit naive/stupid rather than brave. Where I live, anyway, and definitely where I lived in Dublin. I'm not implying that anyone who is attacked at night deserved it or anything like that, but I don't think I'm being silly by avoiding doing it wherever I possibly can. I'm independent and confident but independence and confidence isn't going to beat a big guy dragging me down an alley. The BF and I were messing in the kitchen the other day and he grabbed me so I couldn't get away and I got a bit upset as I realised how truly weak and vulnerable I am, physically. I don't feel weak and vulnerable, but the fact is, I'm 5'4 and 8 stone. If a guy decides to pull me down an alley, what can I do? There have been several rapes in Soho in London, near where I live, and now I am very, very wary walking around there. I think people get a false sense of security because it's so busy and central.

I still generally do what I want, but I will avoid walking alone whenever I can, and when I do, I'm always very aware of my surroundings, no talking on the phone, crossing the road if I see a dodgy looking group approaching, etc.[/QUOTE]

Stamp on our toes as hard as you can, if we grab you from behind struggle and go limp after a few seconds then headbutt us as hard as you can, hit us in the balls, but only sideways sometimes a full frontal kick has very little effect.

IF you cannot do anything then scrape our faces as hard as you can, try the eye gouge too.

Erren Music

Novella wrote: »

If I was home and I heard somebody shouting for help, the last thing I'd think was, "Better not get involved in case I get attacked". I would want to help.

I don't mind walking on the street alone in the dark. I guess it is a bit creepy if someone is right behind you but really, I probably wouldn't notice unless they were unusually close.

I have gotten involved before and was told to f off by the woman and to MYOB, and she nearly hit me too. What are we to do?

Feeona

Dudess wrote: »

Very relaxed (complacent?) about it. Random attacks are not the norm.

I also believe random attacks aren't the norm and that we see too many newspaper articles, news pieces or hear too many friends of friends stories which only serves to scare people into thinking that every stranger is out to get them.

I've had two situations though where my defences were up. First time was getting the train home from Dublin during rush hour. A man on the train was giving me the creeps. I walked to the other end of the (packed) train. He followed me all the way, even going so far as to push through a crowd of people after me. At the station, I waited until everybody had left to see if this man would stay (just to see if I was imagining things which is easily possible). Eventually there was just two of us left at the station. I tried to ring my sister to come pick me up but she wasn't answering. I started walking home. He started following me though, I could hear his footsteps, he was right behind me but I turned off suddenly. I could see he was shocked because he stopped then carried on walking. I then started following him, he kept turning around and each time I just stared him out of it. He eventually turned off. I went straight to the police station and gave them a description of the man mainly for the reason that if this man ever did anything to me, I'd have it on record that he followed me on a previous occasion. It also gave me the freedom to not be afraid each time I stepped outside my door.

Second time, I was out for a walk in the town on a Sunday morning (about six am summertime, so it was bright). Car passes by with two men in it out looking out at me. Once again something didn't feel right. Sure enough I could hear the car turning behind me and coming back down the road. I turned down a laneway with houses, and kind of hid in behind a hedge. I was thinking at this stage I was acting a bit over the top, but I wasn't because the car stopped at the end of the laneway and one of the men shouted out to see if I wanted a lift. I just stayed hidden until they drove off. I eventually walked the rest of the way home, walk was ruined because I kept having to look behind me to make sure I wasn't being followed.

I am always aware of my surroundings, and I always go with my gut feeling because it's usually right. But I will not let a friend of a friend's story stop me from going out for a walk if I need some fresh air. My freedom is more important than what may or may not happen.

banshee_bones

Some of my male friends seem to think I am far too cavalier with regard to my personal safety. When I lived in city centre Galway I always walked home after a night out.
Have done the same since I moved to Dublin, something that really does not sit well with some of my friends but its literally a ten minute walk so why waste €6! Unless of course I am fairly well on it, in that case
yeah I would get a taxi.
I heard a statistic before that with regard to the majority of rapes and or attacks , the victim knows their attacker which to me denotes a certain level of premeditation.

miss5

Erren Music wrote: »

I have gotten involved before and was told to f off by the woman and to MYOB, and she nearly hit me too. What are we to do?

I think it's great you tried to help though, I know that woman's reaction
would put anyone off. I guess a handful of scumbags make it difficult for decent
guys out there. If I heard someone in trouble I would definetly try to help but
physically I'm pretty weak and at 19 becoming much more cautious than I used
to be. I think personal safety tips etc should be taught in schools because young girls can
often be quite naive I know most of my friends still are.

jokettle

I live in a fairly safe aread in Dublin, but last weekend I was heading for the dart station in the evening just as it was getting dark. There were about 12-15 guys hanging around the laneway, which is fairly deserted at that time. They were underage, about 16 or 17, but they were all bigger than me! So I called my OH and told him to stay on the line until I got to the platform. It was an incredibly girly thing to do, but it made me feel safer.

I also do the key trick I learned from Dylan Moran; hold your keys in your hand and push them through your fingers so if you do have to hit someone, you'll f*cking kill them!

vicecreamsundae

i think about my personal safety a lot, but it's rare that i curb my actions because of it.i should really take self defence classes and might do this summer.

i often walk home alone very late at night, well into the am hours, but i'm well aware of my personal safety. i used to carry pepper spray which made me feel a lot more confident but i don't have any at the moment. i'll never take shortcuts, always walk the longer better lit way. i''ll keep my keys in my hands ready to strike anyone too. i think it's important that when you are walking alone especially late at night or in dodgy areas, you should take off your headphones, and pull down your hood, so you can hear and see properly, and look around a lot. i always try to walk confidently too in that situation, arms out wide taking big strides -it comes naturally to me now, as opposed to during the day when i might shuffle along with my hands in my pockets and my head down,

if someone walking near you is making you nervous, i think the worst thing to do is ignore it and tell yourself you're just being paranoid. if someone is behind me, to be on the safe side, i will turn around and look them right in the eye, so that they know i can see them [and could identify them] and cross the street. if someone starts to approach, yell "**** OFF" loudly... if they were only going to ask you the time, then sure they might think you're a crazy bitch, but who cares?

jokettle i used to hold my keys like that, and then i read it's actually a bad idea because if you strike someone holding them that way it can **** up your hand. its better to just hold them in your fist like you'd hold a knife.

emma82

I used to be alot more relaxed about things like this but in the past two years or so I've wised up to fact you can't be too careful.

I'm from a small town in Donegal but live in Kildare. I'd never even dream of walking home alone in Kildare as its too far and most of time if I'm out its with OH so we walk home together. At home I only live 5 mins away from town so have often walked home alone late at night and in the morning- always felt I was safe- my own town, know plenty of people etc. About 2 yrs back there was a really violent rape of a young girl just down the road from my house- really shook up the whole neighourhood & my dad put a ban on any of us walking home at night. It really made me think- no matter where you are you always need to be aware to be safe.

Another thing- ALWAYS lock your car when you go into petrol station to pay! Its the perfect opportunity for someone to get into your car. If you're sitting in traffic keep the doors locked too

chocgirl

I never gave my personal safety any thought at all until I had a bad experience while at college.

I was walking around college green had been at the cinema when some random guy grabbed me from behind around the hips and wouldn't let go no matter how much I screamed and struggled. This was pretty much right outside Doyles and was pretty busy quite a few people walked by, at least twenty. Eventually a group of guys stepped in and pulled him off me but not before he had planted a sloppy kiss on my cheek. He thought it was hilarious and I think looking back just wanted to give me a scare.

The really shocking thing for me was that he was so strong and I really wouldn't have had a chance.

I had planned to walk home but instead went into the computers in college and stayed there all night until it was bright.

I was really paranoid for a long time, had to check the back seat before getting into the car and wouldn't go anywhere on my own in the dark but I'm getting careless again now.

It's hard to know really, I wouldn't like to live in fear all the time either.

Feeona

Feeona wrote: »

I also believe random attacks aren't the norm and that we see too many newspaper articles, news pieces or hear too many friends of friends stories which only serves to scare people into thinking that every stranger is out to get them.

Not that rare. I've been randomly attacked twice (although not seriously) and I know loads of other people who have. I'm not only talking about rapes but also muggings and things like that. Even someone grabbing you or shoving you randomly is very, very shocking and upsetting. The reason I'm very wary is that, like chocgirl said, people don't help you. They pretend they haven't seen anything. They either tell themselves you must know the person and are just messing, or they just don't want to get involved. Also, I don't just disregard news pieces. Several times I've heard of someone being attacked in X place, 10 mins after I walked past, and thought 'that could have been me'. Sure, it wasn't me, but it easily could have been.

There's a lot of middle ground between being afraid to leave the house and walking around anywhere, anytime. I live my life, but I consider 10 euro better spent on a taxi home than on a couple of drinks and I'd choose to stay over with a friend rather than walk home alone.

RacoonQueen

I have very little fear, have often walked round town on my own at night and around my area. Probably a little silly of me but I'm not going to throw my head over my shoulder every few minutes just in case something might happen.

jellie

I try to avoid walking on my own in Dublin at night, mostly if I do its only through busy places and its fine. If it were a longer distance through a dodgy/quiet area Id generally try get a taxi (though you could argue getting into a car with a random person is not much safer than taking the risk of walking..)

In my home town theres plenty of little knackers around, but I know most of them to see and feel safe enough that they wouldnt do anything. To be honest if Im walking at night at home I get more freaked out at the thoughts of animals or ghosts or whatever than people (my imagination tends to go into overload) because the place is usually pretty deserted.

Odysseus

Ladies, can I just add to those looking a self denfense course. I don't teach it, but I'm qualified to teach in a few self denfense programmes. My word of warning is there are a lot of people teaching utter sh!te out there. Find a good course, however, no matter how good the course is or how good the instructor is, you need to regularly practice it.

There is no use doing a three month programme and then just leaving it at that. Practice makes perfect, you need constant training to keep up the skill you learn. Its like anything else, you learn a new skill, but unless you use it frequently you know yourself, when you try to apply it six months down the road you can't remember it.

Feeona

[quote=[Deleted User];65571040]Not that rare. I've been randomly attacked twice (although not seriously) and I know loads of other people who have. I'm not only talking about rapes but also muggings and things like that. Even someone grabbing you or shoving you randomly is very, very shocking and upsetting. The reason I'm very wary is that, like chocgirl said, people don't help you. They pretend they haven't seen anything. They either tell themselves you must know the person and are just messing, or they just don't want to get involved. Also, I don't just disregard news pieces. Several times I've heard of someone being attacked in X place, 10 mins after I walked past, and thought 'that could have been me'. Sure, it wasn't me, but it easily could have been.

There's a lot of middle ground between being afraid to leave the house and walking around anywhere, anytime. I live my life, but I consider 10 euro better spent on a taxi home than on a couple of drinks and I'd choose to stay over with a friend rather than walk home alone.[/QUOTE]

I agree that people don't step in because they're afraid of what might happen. I was mugged on Dame Street-guy cycling by on his bike tried to steal my camera. I held on to it though and was pulled to the ground. So there I was sitting on the ground in shock, couldn't stand up, taxis passing by. They probably thought I was drunk! Another day walking near Merrion Square, a man shouldered me for no reason, plenty of room on the pavement although it happened so quickly I doubt anyone even noticed.

Even small incidents like these are shocking, and they put me on edge for a short while. But for my own independence, I don't look at news stories and think 'That could be me', because that would result in me personally being suspicious of everyone I meet. I just don't want to be scared of every stranger I meet. If my gut feeling tells me to be scared, that's when I get scared!

sam34

i'm very conscious of my personla safety

i never walk anywhere alone when its dark, and there are some places i'd avoid even in daylight

i always lock myself into my car

when at home i always have the doors locked

because of my job, i've had self-defence courses, and have to regularly have refreshers, but still i'd rather not have to use the skills i learn!

Odysseus

sam34 wrote: »

i'm very conscious of my personla safety

i never walk anywhere alone when its dark, and there are some places i'd avoid even in daylight

i always lock myself into my car

when at home i always have the doors locked

because of my job, i've had self-defence courses, and have to regularly have refreshers, but still i'd rather not have to use the skills i learn!

Sam are they the regular HSE ones? I can't remember the name at the moment.

xoixo

Just last night when I got off my nitelink a man got off the same stop as me. He was walking ahead of me and then randomly paused for no reason, other than to let me pass him out so I was walking in front of him then. That freaked me out so much! When I switched roads I was still so frightened he'd follow me, I hid in front of a parked car and took off my heels so he couldn't hear the sound of them on the pavement, making it seem as if I'd gone into a house. Then legged it down the street barefoot.

Haha I sound really paranoid, but 4.30am and I'm alone and theres men around, I can't help but feel scared.

sam34

Odysseus wrote: »

Sam are they the regular HSE ones? I can't remember the name at the moment.

emm, not sure, sorry!

they were organised through work, but dont know if they are offered to all hse staff or just those in the psych dept

midlandsmissus

I walk everywhere by myself at night and have no problem with it. I'm a bit stupidly fearless sometimes I suppose. However there was one area I used to live, where I had to walk through a really long dark tunnel to get home. I would put 999 on my phone and keep my finger on the dial button while walking through, just in case.

The one thing I would never ever do, is hitchhike, after a terrifying thing happened to my poor Mam. She was hitching in England with her sister when they were young. The minute they got into the car the driver started saying how he had always wanted to rape and kill two women together. She said her younger sister was crying and panicking in the back of the car, and she was scared to death herself but was trying to keep her head and think of what to do. They managed to get out of the car and make a run for it, but the driver followed them and tried to run them down with the car. They got away in the end, Scary stuff though.

Feeona

Feeona wrote: »

I agree that people don't step in because they're afraid of what might happen. I was mugged on Dame Street-guy cycling by on his bike tried to steal my camera. I held on to it though and was pulled to the ground. So there I was sitting on the ground in shock, couldn't stand up, taxis passing by. They probably thought I was drunk! Another day walking near Merrion Square, a man shouldered me for no reason, plenty of room on the pavement although it happened so quickly I doubt anyone even noticed.

I had two incidents on Dame Street in broad daylight, once a group of knackers started on me for no reason (I was on my own) and another time a guy punched me for no reason. I was really annoyed about the punching one because nobody (even my friends) seemed to take it seriously as I wasn't bruised or bleeding, but I'd like to see how they'd like to be punched by a random stranger. I was grateful it wasn't worse, but it's a total invasion of personal space and shatters the feeling of safety - I would've thought the city centre in the afternoon was a place I could go without being assaulted. I got more wary after that, more aware of people who look like potential trouble makers and now I try to avoid them.

Even small incidents like these are shocking, and they put me on edge for a short while. But for my own independence, I don't look at news stories and think 'That could be me', because that would result in me personally being suspicious of everyone I meet. I just don't want to be scared of every stranger I meet. If my gut feeling tells me to be scared, that's when I get scared!

I don't think you need to be suspicious, just aware. I'm ridiculously independent, I travel alone all the time and lived abroad on my own last year. I'd have no problem chatting to strangers, but I'd weight them up very carefully and I'd be careful about giving away too many personal details or letting them know I was living alone etc. And I do pay attention to the news - if three people have been raped down the same alleyway in the last week (as has happened where I live), I'm not going to walk down that alleyway. Perhaps that is letting 'the attacker' control me, but to me I'd rather just go 2 minutes out of my way than take the risk.

RacoonQueen

Odysseus wrote: »

Sam are they the regular HSE ones? I can't remember the name at the moment.

Non Violent Crisis Intervention?

I did that when I started in the HSE two years ago, remember it being very good actually, we really should have to do it every year I think it's every two years where I work for mandatory training.

Odysseus

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Non Violent Crisis Intervention?

I did that when I started in the HSE two years ago, remember it being very good actually, we really should have to do it every year I think it's every two years where I work for mandatory training.

Yep, that's the one. I didn't rate it at all really. It also only takes a few days to train as an instructor IIRC. I did it about 4 yrs ago no follow up also.

Off topic I know, but I used to also be part of the CISS team. We where the ones who offered a debriefing session following a violent attack. It was a voluntary service within the HSE but due to cut backs even that is gone now. So much for looking after your staff eh.

sam34

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Non Violent Crisis Intervention?

I did that when I started in the HSE two years ago, remember it being very good actually, we really should have to do it every year I think it's every two years where I work for mandatory training.

have done those, but also have done/do others as well

just cant think of the name of em

miss5

I think it's important that women can have their independence but can any of
us afford to be complacent nowadays?

billybigunz

You girls are lucky as you are far less likely to be a victim of a crime than a man.

Silverfish

billybigunz wrote: »

You girls are lucky as you are far less likely to be a victim of a crime than a man.

It doesn't mean it doesn't happen, and people should be very much aware of their surroundings and safety.

sashafierce

This post has been deleted.

Piste

I feel grand walking by myself at night. Probably a little*too* grand really. That said, whenever I walk home from a night out it's along a main road with a fair few people walking to same direction...I like to think that a scumbag would be either too intimidated by all the people and traffic to try anything, or that someone would come to my aid if something did happen.

Pyr0

People have to remember, taking self defense classes is all well and good but the best thing to do in most situations when confronted by someone trying to take something from you is to just give it to them. If it's late at night and you're both alone on a road and he(she) is determined enough, they'll get what they won't from you any way they can. They won't care if you end up in hospital with stab wounds or head injuries and for what ? A phone/ipod and a few euro

I've been mugged numerous times, dragged to the ground and kicked/punched in the head, a SWORD held to my throat and headbutted a few times, they got what they wanted from me even when I put up a fight and in broad day light too. Yeah it's terrible I'm giving these people power and not "teaching them a lesson" but It's just not worth the risk trying to be brave.

Novella

Pyr0 wrote: »

People have to remember, taking self defense classes is all well and good but the best thing to do in most situations when confronted by someone trying to take something from you is to just give it to them. If it's late at night and you're both alone on a road and he(she) is determined enough, they'll get what they won't from you any way they can. They won't care if you end up in hospital with stab wounds or head injuries and for what ? A phone/ipod and a few euro

I've been mugged numerous times, dragged to the ground and kicked/punched in the head, a SWORD held to my throat and headbutted a few times, they got what they wanted from me even when I put up a fight and in broad day light too. Yeah it's terrible I'm giving these people power and not "teaching them a lesson" but It's just not worth the risk trying to be brave.

It's fair enough to say don't defend yourself and just give it to them but it's pretty much a natural reaction to want to protect yourself from harm. If a woman (or a man) was walking down a street and someone attacked her (or him) and was trying to rape her (again, or him), it'd be exceptionally difficult to 'just give it up'. Tbh, I wouldn't be thinking, "If I go along with this, it'll be over and I'll be grand". I'd be thinking, "This cannot happen to me" and would do whatever I could to prevent it.

Okay, if someone wanted my phone, I'm not gonna fight about it but a brutal assault, I don't think I could live with myself knowing I didn't even struggle.

sam34

Novella wrote: »

It's fair enough to say don't defend yourself and just give it to them but it's pretty much a natural reaction to want to protect yourself from harm. If a woman (or a man) was walking down a street and someone attacked her (or him) and was trying to rape her (again, or him), it'd be exceptionally difficult to 'just give it up'. Tbh, I wouldn't be thinking, "If I go along with this, it'll be over and I'll be grand". I'd be thinking, "This cannot happen to me" and would do whatever I could to prevent it.

Okay, if someone wanted my phone, I'm not gonna fight about it but a brutal assault, I don't think I could live with myself knowing I didn't even struggle.

to be fair to pyro, i think he meant if you were being mugged specificaly for your phone/ipod/wallet - not worth getting stabbed for any of those

if youre being attacked with a view to being raped or murdered thats a different matter

Pyr0

Novella wrote: »

It's fair enough to say don't defend yourself and just give it to them but it's pretty much a natural reaction to want to protect yourself from harm. If a woman (or a man) was walking down a street and someone attacked her (or him) and was trying to rape her (again, or him), it'd be exceptionally difficult to 'just give it up'. Tbh, I wouldn't be thinking, "If I go along with this, it'll be over and I'll be grand". I'd be thinking, "This cannot happen to me" and would do whatever I could to prevent it.

Okay, if someone wanted my phone, I'm not gonna fight about it but a brutal assault, I don't think I could live with myself knowing I didn't even struggle.

Oh yeah of course, a brutal physical/sexual attack by all means fight back but something just for a phone/wallet/ipod. Just give it to them and leave it at that, really not worth that hassle !

Novella

Pyr0 wrote: »

Oh yeah of course, a brutal physical/sexual attack by all means fight back but something just for a phone/wallet/ipod. Just give it to them and leave it at that, really not worth that hassle !

Yeah, sorry! I was a bit distracted eating my dinner when I read your post :pac: I agree with you btw! I, for some reason, thought you were talking about being attacked and just never reacting in general.