this message may be offensive
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
I am safe.
Running, screaming for help, and flagging down drivers in an emergency is not as effective as you think. (But still try nonetheless) I had 4 cars ignore and drive past me as this guy was after me in his car and I was out alone on foot. I am not conventionally attractive. I am not skinny. I was wearing sweatpants and a big hoodie. My current neighborhood is 10x safer than where I grew up. This can happen to anyone and anywhere.
If you are alone, make sure someone knows where you are, what your route is, and don't be afraid to call someone the moment you think something feels off. That extra minute can make all the difference. And it really saved me. Like holy shit I'm still freaked out.
But most importantly, be a maniac. Be crazy. Be loud. Your phone is also a weapon. Record. Take away the anonymity. Create attention to those around you. Cause so much of a scene, that the person after you has no choice but to flee. The drivers may have decided not to help me, but my refusal to be nice/quiet saved me from something that I don't want to think about right now.
Stay Safe. Not everyone has good intentions- even during the holidays.
