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Women Are Sharing All The Ways They Protect Themselves While Running Alone
Running can be a peaceful and reflective time to clear your head – but if you’re a woman these peaceful thoughts can easily be interrupted by hyper-vigilance for personal safety. Amanda Deibert, a writer for TV and comic books, proved just how frightening a simple run can be by tweeting out about the topic of running safety that was shared in her mom group.
Deibert then widened the question to Twitter, asking her followers for their own safety strategies, and it quickly went viral. Deibert used to be a runner, but now she mostly hikes and walks. The writer told BuzzFeed News, the response made her “sad,” with women sharing everything from photos with their large dogs to knives to pepper spray.
RELATED:
This writer’s twitter thread on the measures women runners take to protect themselves has gone viral and it’s eye-opening
Image credits: amandadeibert
Image credits: amandadeibert
Deibert told Good Morning America the reactions were astonishing, “When I was reading the thread that all just kind of hit me, that is something we all do, all the time, without thinking about it,” she told the outlet. “It speaks to how universal it is, that every woman does have an answer to this question.”
Image credits: amandadeibert
The original tweet prompted thousands of alarming replies
Image credits: Hayjen9
Fisher Defensive Go Guarded Ring is a heavy-duty plastic serrated-edge weapon that is worn on any finger. The serrated edges can be used to fight off an attacker and even scrape off DNA. The product is convenient because does not need to be retrieved from a belt or fannypack, will not spray back on you, and will not be knocked out of your hand.
With women posting photos of special emergency gadgets
The SLFORCE Personal Alarm Siren is a security safe sound rape whistle. It works by pulling on the hand strap to activate a screaming siren of 130 dB – as loud as a military jet aircraft take-off – giving the runner vital seconds to flee the scene and immediately attract attention.
Or their large and intimidating canine running companions
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Image credits: therealneyzilla
MMRM OK Printed Camping Opening Tactical Folding Knife Outdoor Survival Pocket Folding Blade Key Shaped Knife when folded looks an ordinary key. The total length is 12.7cm; blade length: 4.8cm; handle length: 7.5cm.
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Some women even had stories of how their equipment had save them already
The Pepper Spray Keychain for Women Blingsting Pepper Spray contains 10% Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) formula for maximum stopping power. This pepper spray projects 10-feet / 3 meters to prevent wind blowback. Pepper Spray is classified as an inflammatory agent and can immediately incapacitate and temporarily blind a potential attacker. The 1/2 ounce canister has up to 15 powerful bursts and can be replaced after use or expiration.
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What do you think ?
Hans 6 years ago
It is alarming that this feeling of unsafety exists. However, for most Western countries at least it is a myth that the level of security is so low. Although many argue that guns are a way to protect freedom, I argue that doing everyday activities fully armed is a loss of freedom. Carelessness is not good, but constant vigilance means we are either too freightened or society has taken a wrong turn.
Foxxy 6 years ago
I’m sorry Petra but countries with stricter weapon laws have less violent crime. For example Homocide rates in the UK is 1 out of 100,000, Australia is 1.1 out of 100,000, Sweden is 0.9 out of 100,000 but the US which has lax weapon laws is 4.7 out of 100,000. And most of the time it is by someone they know. Since 1st July 2012 to 30th June 2014 there was 487 homicide incidents in Australia. In the US it is OVER 30,000 homicides in the same time frame.
Load More Replies...
Foxxy 6 years ago
It is so sad that anyone has to protect themselves whilst just going for a run or anything for that matter.
Hans 6 years ago
The problem lies deeper than this. We have no statistics at hand about actual violent crime. The reason these people wield weapons or bring dogs is the _felt_ threat, be it a real one or an imaginary. And that they need to feel endagered while doing a perfectly normal thing is sad.
Load More Replies...
Jonathon Smith 6 years ago
They had a discussion about this on the BBC's Women's Hour a little while back. They came to the conclusion that it was the fact more female victims make prominent news headlines and more crime dramas have pretty young female victims that make women feel disproportionately afraid of being alone. (In the UK) If women are attacked it is most likely to be by someone they know and in a familiar setting. Attacks by strangers are relatively rare and the victims of such random attacks are heavily weighted towards young men. This has been borne out in my own friendship circle. I know far too many women who have been sexually assaulted, but always by someone they were (up to that point) friends with. On the other hand an equal number of my male friends have been beaten up in the street by random groups of men or a lone attacker with a knife.
Rabite 6 years ago
It's not only about actual attacks. It's enough if you have guys running behind you yelling obscenities. They probably won't attack you for real, but you are still in danger and very uncomfortable to be outside the least.
Load More Replies...
Herb Eaversmells 6 years ago
Listen: this is not a bashing of the post itself, the women, or the fact that women even have to consider these,things. It is terrible that this post even has to exist. But; sorry most of these self defenses are useless. I'm someone that has many years of self defense training, fight simulations, etc. Knifes can be good, if you can get to them, open them, and know how to use them. That,little ring knife isn't stopping anyone. Mace is very effective, but you are just as likely to mace yourself as your assiliant, leaving you temporarily blind. The gym I train/teach at holds free bi-monthly woman training classes. The,first thing to do, in a controlled environment is have,women try the self defenses that have been taught,before.9 out of 10 times they are,ineffective. Its hard to kick some one in the crotch, or poke their eyes, etc. We even give them dummy knives and sticks, and still are,able to grab them and,render them useless. Just be aware these are not fail proof.
Hans 6 years ago
Although I cannot find the source right now, I remember reading a report from a self-defense specialist on the same line of argumentation: most people without training to use weapons, and especially to use them in situations of mental uproar (fight-or-flight) will likely do more harm to themselves than to the attacker. However, I guess most people where these things to increase their feeling of safety. Thus, it is security theater, just like much of the actions at an airport. The real question is: do we need this security theather because we are rightfully afraid, or is there a perceived yet unreal danger because our societies do not make us feel safe?
Load More Replies...
Biljana Malesevic 6 years ago
Any suggestion what can I give my teenage daughter for protection? She is about to start going out, I really want her to be safe. Is pepper spray ok? Whistle? Or small knife? I am maybe over-protective parent but better to be safe.
Hans 6 years ago
To my knowledge, the ring-chain alarm devices are pretty recommendable. Easy to use and loud enough to get rid of attackers-by-chance. And the plus is that you cannot hurt yourself with them.
Load More Replies...
Thomas brennan 6 years ago
It is probably going to be an unpopular opinion but there is a lot of research on violence rates across history detailed in the book Angel's of our better nature. The conclusion was that in most countries we have never been safer, violence rates even compared to the 70s are down massively. What remains constant is our fear of crime and violence and this is growing due to a combination of access to media and the incentive of outlets to focus on negative stories such as violent crime - sex and violence sells. This is obviously not to dismiss the problem, more just as a counter to the people who think things have never been so bad or the world is falling apart.
Nia Loves Art 6 years ago
Just because women are at less of a risk than they where during the 70’s (the golden age of serial killers) doesn’t mean there aren’t genuine threats today.
Load More Replies...
Jesper Rasmussen 6 years ago
I too believe that more weapons breed more violence. Here in Denmark it is not legal to carry weapons for self protection - not guns (obviusly - who in their right mind lets people carry guns in public areas?!), not knives, not even pepper sprays. Some might say that these laws prevent people from being safe, but the fact is that Denmark is one of the safest places in the world to live in.
Swarf 6 years ago
Denmark is one of the safest countries in the world because it treats its citizens well, economically and medically, and there is therefore less crime. That doesn't make forcing people to walk around defenseless right, and it only works out because of the first part.
Load More Replies...
Emmy 6 years ago
My mom tried giving me a knife for a solo hike. I told her I wasn’t going to stab anyone since I’m not trained, but promised I would buy some pepper spray. I’m more worried about bears and loose dogs than people out on the trail.
Swarf 6 years ago
Bear spray is pretty effective on all mammals. I mean, you should have a knife when hiking anyway, just not necessarily for rapist stabbing purposes.
Load More Replies...
Delgada 6 years ago
It just blows my mind every time I read those stories. Not because I don't believe you, I do. I just can't imagine living with this amount of fear, daily. We do have gun control in Poland - and crazy evil people can happen everywhere - but I never, not once, though I need to arm myself to go on a jog through a park, or wooded area. Never needed pepper spray, knives or s**t my pants beause I am walking the streets alone after dark. When I read this, all I feel is heartbreak. I am lucky enough. But I shouldn't be in the minority. No human being should feel this way because of who they are. Regardless of them being a woman, gay, black, white, etc. life is plenty scary enough, without humans adding up to the pile.
Hans 6 years ago
It is alarming that this feeling of unsafety exists. However, for most Western countries at least it is a myth that the level of security is so low. Although many argue that guns are a way to protect freedom, I argue that doing everyday activities fully armed is a loss of freedom. Carelessness is not good, but constant vigilance means we are either too freightened or society has taken a wrong turn.
Foxxy 6 years ago
I’m sorry Petra but countries with stricter weapon laws have less violent crime. For example Homocide rates in the UK is 1 out of 100,000, Australia is 1.1 out of 100,000, Sweden is 0.9 out of 100,000 but the US which has lax weapon laws is 4.7 out of 100,000. And most of the time it is by someone they know. Since 1st July 2012 to 30th June 2014 there was 487 homicide incidents in Australia. In the US it is OVER 30,000 homicides in the same time frame.
Load More Replies... Foxxy 6 years ago
It is so sad that anyone has to protect themselves whilst just going for a run or anything for that matter.
Hans 6 years ago
The problem lies deeper than this. We have no statistics at hand about actual violent crime. The reason these people wield weapons or bring dogs is the _felt_ threat, be it a real one or an imaginary. And that they need to feel endagered while doing a perfectly normal thing is sad.
Load More Replies... Jonathon Smith 6 years ago
They had a discussion about this on the BBC's Women's Hour a little while back. They came to the conclusion that it was the fact more female victims make prominent news headlines and more crime dramas have pretty young female victims that make women feel disproportionately afraid of being alone. (In the UK) If women are attacked it is most likely to be by someone they know and in a familiar setting. Attacks by strangers are relatively rare and the victims of such random attacks are heavily weighted towards young men. This has been borne out in my own friendship circle. I know far too many women who have been sexually assaulted, but always by someone they were (up to that point) friends with. On the other hand an equal number of my male friends have been beaten up in the street by random groups of men or a lone attacker with a knife.
Rabite 6 years ago
It's not only about actual attacks. It's enough if you have guys running behind you yelling obscenities. They probably won't attack you for real, but you are still in danger and very uncomfortable to be outside the least.
Load More Replies... Herb Eaversmells 6 years ago
Listen: this is not a bashing of the post itself, the women, or the fact that women even have to consider these,things. It is terrible that this post even has to exist. But; sorry most of these self defenses are useless. I'm someone that has many years of self defense training, fight simulations, etc. Knifes can be good, if you can get to them, open them, and know how to use them. That,little ring knife isn't stopping anyone. Mace is very effective, but you are just as likely to mace yourself as your assiliant, leaving you temporarily blind. The gym I train/teach at holds free bi-monthly woman training classes. The,first thing to do, in a controlled environment is have,women try the self defenses that have been taught,before.9 out of 10 times they are,ineffective. Its hard to kick some one in the crotch, or poke their eyes, etc. We even give them dummy knives and sticks, and still are,able to grab them and,render them useless. Just be aware these are not fail proof.
Hans 6 years ago
Although I cannot find the source right now, I remember reading a report from a self-defense specialist on the same line of argumentation: most people without training to use weapons, and especially to use them in situations of mental uproar (fight-or-flight) will likely do more harm to themselves than to the attacker. However, I guess most people where these things to increase their feeling of safety. Thus, it is security theater, just like much of the actions at an airport. The real question is: do we need this security theather because we are rightfully afraid, or is there a perceived yet unreal danger because our societies do not make us feel safe?
Load More Replies... Biljana Malesevic 6 years ago
Any suggestion what can I give my teenage daughter for protection? She is about to start going out, I really want her to be safe. Is pepper spray ok? Whistle? Or small knife? I am maybe over-protective parent but better to be safe.
Hans 6 years ago
To my knowledge, the ring-chain alarm devices are pretty recommendable. Easy to use and loud enough to get rid of attackers-by-chance. And the plus is that you cannot hurt yourself with them.
Load More Replies... Thomas brennan 6 years ago
It is probably going to be an unpopular opinion but there is a lot of research on violence rates across history detailed in the book Angel's of our better nature. The conclusion was that in most countries we have never been safer, violence rates even compared to the 70s are down massively. What remains constant is our fear of crime and violence and this is growing due to a combination of access to media and the incentive of outlets to focus on negative stories such as violent crime - sex and violence sells. This is obviously not to dismiss the problem, more just as a counter to the people who think things have never been so bad or the world is falling apart.
Nia Loves Art 6 years ago
Just because women are at less of a risk than they where during the 70’s (the golden age of serial killers) doesn’t mean there aren’t genuine threats today.
Load More Replies... Jesper Rasmussen 6 years ago
I too believe that more weapons breed more violence. Here in Denmark it is not legal to carry weapons for self protection - not guns (obviusly - who in their right mind lets people carry guns in public areas?!), not knives, not even pepper sprays. Some might say that these laws prevent people from being safe, but the fact is that Denmark is one of the safest places in the world to live in.
Swarf 6 years ago
Denmark is one of the safest countries in the world because it treats its citizens well, economically and medically, and there is therefore less crime. That doesn't make forcing people to walk around defenseless right, and it only works out because of the first part.
Load More Replies... Emmy 6 years ago
My mom tried giving me a knife for a solo hike. I told her I wasn’t going to stab anyone since I’m not trained, but promised I would buy some pepper spray. I’m more worried about bears and loose dogs than people out on the trail.
Swarf 6 years ago
Bear spray is pretty effective on all mammals. I mean, you should have a knife when hiking anyway, just not necessarily for rapist stabbing purposes.
Load More Replies... Delgada 6 years ago
It just blows my mind every time I read those stories. Not because I don't believe you, I do. I just can't imagine living with this amount of fear, daily. We do have gun control in Poland - and crazy evil people can happen everywhere - but I never, not once, though I need to arm myself to go on a jog through a park, or wooded area. Never needed pepper spray, knives or s**t my pants beause I am walking the streets alone after dark. When I read this, all I feel is heartbreak. I am lucky enough. But I shouldn't be in the minority. No human being should feel this way because of who they are. Regardless of them being a woman, gay, black, white, etc. life is plenty scary enough, without humans adding up to the pile.
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