Safety for women: conscious and safe on the road

📰 The news about violence against women shows how harsh reality can be. Every eight days in the Netherlands, a woman dies from violence related to her gender. These are figures that affect us all and make us aware of the importance of safety and prevention.

🚨 Unfortunately, it's a reality that many women can feel unsafe on the street, in public transport, or online. It's important to emphasize: it's never the victim's fault. Everyone has the right to feel safe.

🔍 But how can you make yourself feel safer in daily life, without limiting your freedom?

Trust your intuition

🌌 You're cycling home in the evening and a street feels dark and deserted. That uncomfortable feeling? That's your intuition sounding the alarm. It's always okay to change your route, turn back, or look for a busier area. It's also completely normal to say "no" or ignore comments. Your safety always comes first.

Make sure you're visible

💡 Well-lit routes and busy streets are important. Reflective clothing or accessories in the evening can give you extra visibility. Try to avoid distractions, like earphones or looking at your phone for long periods. For example, if you're going for an evening run, wear something reflective and turn your music down or off, so you can better hear your surroundings.

Let people know

📱 A support network can provide great peace of mind. Let friends or family know where you're going or check in when you leave or arrive. This creates an extra layer of safety. Apps like Find My Friends that you often have by default with Apple or other apps can be handy for keeping track of each other's location.

Communicate consciously

🗣️ Communication isn't about confrontation, but about setting boundaries in a clear and calm way. If necessary, walk away to a busy, safe place. Always share incidents with someone you trust or report risk areas to the municipality or police. This contributes to your own safety and that of others.

Practical tips in different situations

🔐 Safety starts with awareness. It's not about fear, but about making smart choices so you can go through life with peace of mind.

Public spaces

👀 Pay close attention to your surroundings and the people around you.

Avoid places that are deserted, poorly lit, or hard to reach. If you're going for a walk or jog, choose routes that are frequently used and let someone know where you're going.

🔒 Keep valuable items close to you, for example in your pockets or close to your body.

Carry your bag on the side of the building and not loosely over your arm. This reduces the chance of theft.

🍹 In cafés or clubs: be alert with drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended.

🏃‍♀️ Feel like someone is following you?

Change direction or go into a busy, well-lit place, like a shop or restaurant. Never go straight home, so your address doesn't become known. Call the police if necessary.

In the car

👜 Put your bag in a less conspicuous place, not on the back seat or next to you.

🚗 Broken down on the side of the road? Be careful with help from strangers. Only open the window a little and keep the conversation short.

🅿️ Parking in a parking garage? Choose a spot close to the stairs or elevator and don't leave any valuables visible. Look around carefully before getting out and wait if necessary until there are other people nearby.

Dealing with aggression

🗨️ With verbal aggression, it often helps to stay calm and not respond to provocations. Look at the person confidently and speak in a neutral tone. This way you avoid the situation escalating.

👜 Something being stolen? Don't resist and give what's asked for. Material things are never more important than your safety.

🔔 With physical aggression, such as an attack or attempt at intimidation, it's important to attract as much attention as possible. Shout loudly and try to get away. Use what you have with you to buy time, like your bag or an umbrella, and aim for vulnerable spots on the attacker, so you have a chance to escape.

The problem doesn't lie with you

⚖️ It's an unpleasant reality that women have to adapt, be alert and take precautionary measures. That feels unfair and it is. It's not normal that it's up to women to constantly adapt.

🔄 The responsibility lies with the people who intimidate, harass or hurt. It's their behavior that needs to change, not women's lives that should be restricted.

🛡️ By being aware of your surroundings and making sensible choices, you can better protect yourself, but always remember: this is a response to a problem with others, not something you caused.