Blog Posts
A TikTok trend recently sparked a debate showed that the majority of women surveyed said they would feel more comfortable encountering a bear than an unknown man in the woods. This response has resonated with many women, who have shared their own experiences and perspectives on social media.
9 out of 10 women instantly chose the bear, without even needing to think about it. This near-universal consensus among women is striking, especially given how divided we can be on other issues. Our almost unanimous agreement comes from the fact that we know what to expect from a wild animal. Based on experience, we can’t say the same of men.
While on patrol, I saw my fair share of crime over the years. And one thing I can tell you is that property crime, while often overlooked, can have a big impact on personal safety - especially for women.
I spent over 28 years patrolling the streets of South Florida, and let me tell you, property crime was a constant concern. And the impact on victims went far beyond just the financial loss. So many victims felt violated, anxious, and even afraid to go about their daily lives after experiencing these kinds of crimes. What can you do?
As a retired female deputy sheriff, I've taken too many calls and seen too many lives ravaged by sexual assault. And throughout my career, I've also encountered numerous myths surrounding the victims, which somehow twist the blame.
These narratives are dangerous, because they not only distort the reality of these vicious crimes, but also contribute to the stigmatization and re-victimization of survivors. So, it's crucial to address and debunk these myths with facts and change society’s tendency to victim blame.
Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that leaves deep emotional scars. Victims often grapple with fear, confusion, and distress, of not knowing where to turn, or what next steps to take. Should you even report the sexual assault to police?
As a former law enforcement officer, I've seen this many times. I think it's important for every woman to know how you can report sexual assault.
Living alone can be exciting —it's your own little retreat where every detail reflects your personal touch. But when you're a woman on your own, it's also incredibly important to feel secure and protected within your walls. Understanding the need for safety isn't about paranoia or living in the red zone; it’s about making your home a true sanctuary.
In this post, I’m going to share some essential security tips that can help any woman feel safer living alone.
Looking for a Few Good Men…
In the wake of Laken Riley’s tragic murder while running, and the bizarre series of recent incidents where women have been randomly punched in the face in New York City, it’s clear that ensuring women’s safety is a community responsibility. regardless of gender.
Guys, we need your help. We need ALL hands on deck, because we all have a duty to watch out for each other and to stand against violence and harassment in ANY form.
Running women are constantly aware of their safety. We’re runners/walkers and get many questions from the running community about staying safe while running. Of course, we’re all shaken by the tragic murder of Laken Riley. Not only because a young woman was struck down, but also because we all realize that we face the same danger, just because we’re outdoors, quietly enjoying ourselves. And while we can (and do) talk to women every day about how to be safe, the basic issue isn’t that women don’t keep themselves safe…
Despite the massive effect of technology and social media on our daily lives over the last decade, Congress has passed absolutely zero legislation surrounding it. In fact, it has done absolutely nothing about it in the 21st century. Why are our children’s lives are at risk while legislators sit idly by? The answer probably won’t surprise you, but the numbers behind it may.
A recent Forbes article on workplace bullying brought back memories. The manager at one of my last corporate jobs checked many of the boxes that Forbes notes about the bullying profile. And what many people don’t understand is that it never starts out that way. And it can happen to anyone.
A good run is so much fun! It clears your head; helps you feel strong and it’s something you do just for you. Yet, as many women know, that sense of freedom can come with personal safety concerns. And with rising reports of women feeling unsafe during runs, it's important to be informed, prepared, and proactive in our approach to running safety.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and a large part of being aware includes facing and dispelling mistaken beliefs surrounding domestic abuse. Various myths perpetuate misunderstandings and lead to victim-blaming and misconceptions about this brutality, perpetuated primarily against women. So we’re going to puncture 10 of these myths, using evidence-based information and statistics.
Microaggressions are subtle, sometimes unintentional but always discriminatory comments or behaviors targeted at members of marginalized groups. They’re often dismissed as harmless, insignificant remarks or behaviors. But the truth is, they are far from trivial - because microaggressions contribute to a global culture that enables and perpetuates violence against women.
Omegle is an online chat website that allows users to talk to each other without registering. It randomly pairs users from around in the world in one-on-one chat or video sessions. But although the platform “requires users to be 18 years old or older,” it’s lip service because there’s no age verification in place. Users just have to agree to the terms and conditions. Check two boxes and you’re in. Really? How is this even legal? It’s as bad as putting kids on a Manhattan street corner at 3:00 a.m. with a “Free” sign on them
Do you find yourself constantly surrounded by narcissists? Not just with partners, but also with friends and acquaintances. Do you wonder why you seem to be a magnet for the self-absorbed? Keep in mind, that besides their selfishness, they all have one thing in common in your life: You. You’re attracted to them as much as they’re attracted to you. So, beyond the surface allure of the charisma and confidence of these Me-Me’s, there may be a deeper, psychological foundation to your attraction.
Lyft recently introduced Women+ Connect, a feature being rolled out in select cities that matches women and non-binary drivers with other women and non-binary riders. Rideshare safety is an important concern for everyone, but especially for women. The in-app option was added to Lyft’s services after 17 new lawsuits in 2022 accused the company of failing to protect women from physical and sexual assaults. Uber offers their own version, Women Rider Preference. These features benefit both riders and drivers, because not only are riders at risk of assault during a rideshare, so are drivers.
Prince Charming: that age-old emblem of fairy tale romances that we've been spoon-fed since we were in diapers. The dashing savior of the damsel in distress. But what if I told you that this very image—romanticized, fantasized, and dreamt about—is what's making adult women everywhere the perfect prey for smooth romance scammers? Those childhood fairy tales didn't warn us about this plot twist. And, while the data does show that both men and women fall victim, women lose twice as much money as men.
Have you looked for love online? According to research, over half (53%) of you under thirty have, and Tinder tops your list (pun intended). But Zoomers aren’t the only ones swiping their screens - One in three adults of all ages have used an online dating site or app at least once in their lives. But dating apps don’t just attract your potential dream date, they’re also a hunting ground for violent sexual predators. Rapes that resulted from meeting online were different from other acquaintance rapes that occurred: They were more violent.
Your college experience is transformational. Literally. Much like butterflies, we enter as teenagers and emerge as adults, ostensibly ready to fly into the world. For us, it was a thrilling, yet daunting experience. But like caterpillars, incoming freshwomen are the most vulnerable to predators. This particular phase of the college journey is termed the 'Red Zone' – the initial weeks of the freshman year where the risk of sexual assault is statistically highest: 50% of all sexual assaults on campus.
Apple's latest software update to iPhone/iPad, known as iOS 17, is set to be released this month (September, 2023). Software updates are usually boring, behind-the-scenes type of thing. But this one is worth mentioning because the iOS 17 update comes with several new features that can enhance children's safety. We think that every step that tech companies do to keep children safe (especially online) is one in the right direction, so we applaud these steps. But we also think they can do a lot more.
Tech advancements have not only made our lives easier but also more secure. And when it comes to women’s personal safety, wearable tech offers an array of practical solutions. These gadgets are not just fashion-forward; they also serve as powerful tools in your layered defensive living strategy. Let's check out the some of the wearable tech designed for women's safety.
Although women are primarily the targets of violent crime, it can happen to anyone. In the first half of 2023, violent crime levels remain higher than the same timeframe in 2019, before the COVID pandemic. According to the Council on Criminal Justice, there were 24% more homicides during the first half of 2023 than during the first half of 2019 in the study cities. As part of a layered defensive living strategy, your iPhone can help keep you safe.
Many survivors of sexual assault experience a deep sense of shame, feeling damaged, broken, and worthless. Society reinforces these feelings, inevitably victim-blaming and rarely holding predators to account. In essence, sending the perverted message that the victim was powerful enough to cause her own attack. And continuing this twisted logic: So, she should have had the power to avoid it as well. These weird dynamics cause a sense of shame within the victim.
When men say no, that’s the end of the conversation. But women say no, that’s the beginning of the persuasion process. The persuasion process refers to the increasing pressure on women to agree to do with whatever someone wants them to do. And the world does not want to hear the word no from women. It becomes even more challenging, because as women, we’re socialized to please everyone and to take care of everyone else before we take care of ourselves.
I gotta tell ya, guys. We women can’t keep ourselves safe alone. We need help. Do you want to know what women want? We want to be safe.
I know, it’s not all men. But here’s the thing: We can’t tell. And let's face it, gents...neither can you. If you think that you know if your buddy is no danger to women because “he’s a good guy,” I’ll guarantee that you haven’t seen him behind closed doors the way that we have.
Latest example: Football/soccer star forward and world champion, Jenni Hermoso. Ms. Hermoso led her team to a first-ever World Cup victory for Spain, an inspiring moment that millions aspire to and should have been her greatest. But as she stepped up to receive her medal to thundering applause, her boss grabbed her face in both of his hands and kissed her on her mouth. Not a symbolic peck on both cheeks, full on mouth. Imagine if he had done that to a male football player.
Sixty years later, progress has gradually been made – as in gradually the ice age ended. And in many cases, unmade far more quickly. But there is one area where zero headway has occurred, glacial or otherwise: Prejudice and violence against Black women. Also known as misogynoir: a term coined by queer Black feminist scholar Moya Bailey that specifically describes the unique discrimination faced by Black women, where both racism and misogyny intersect.
To ensure women's safety, we have to recognize the intrinsic link between disrespect and vulnerability. By understanding the deep connection between the two, we can work towards creating a safer and more empowering environment for everyone. This blog post delves into the reasons why combating disrespect for women is vital for enhancing women's safety.
Let's talk about a topic that happens wayyyy too often but rarely discussed enough: Dating violence during the infamous "college red zone." Now, I'm not here to rain on your parade, but it's crucial to arm ourselves with knowledge and sass when it comes to this serious issue. Buckle up, because we're diving into the world of dating drama and how to sidestep it like the fierce individuals we are!
Victim blaming is when people hold victims of crime, accidents, or any negative event is responsible for their own harm, even when it’s obvious that they did nothing wrong. It’s rampant. Because for some reason, society loves to kick victims when they’re down - making a bad situation even worse.
Starting college is an exciting new chapter, filled with opportunities and new experiences. However, there's an essential piece of information all women should be aware of during the initial weeks of college: The Red Zone.