Do you feel safe to walk around your neighbourhood in the dark?

I don’t. And I have a feeling it’s not just me.

It’s ridonkulous that in this day and age, a woman doesn’t feel safe to go for a walk on her own! It’s a very real problem - I wish I had an answer, but I don’t. So the least I can do is share my personal experience to shed some light on the issue.

At the start of the year, I set a goal to up my steps to 20,000 steps a day. That’s a lot of steps! To make that happen, it meant waking up at 5 am. Do you know how dark it is at 5 am?! It’s dark. And I don’t feel safe.

One afternoon, my friend Mary was in town for a short visit and we decided to take a stroll along the Yarra River. It was around five in the afternoon, and everything was lovely until we witnessed two gangs of teens going really hard at each other. 

I was paralysed with fear. I wanted to help but fortunately, Mary pulled me away. It was clear that these kids were high on drugs, and any attempt to intervene would have ended badly, especially considering I’m only five foot two!

So, I had to think hard about how I was going to feel safe while on my 5 am walks. If you’re feeling unsettled like I am, maybe these ideas will help you too.

• I went out and bought a bright yellow rain jacket. You can’t miss me!
• I walk with my dog—a 15-year-old Maltese who, let’s be honest, wouldn’t scare anyone off, but his presence is comforting. 
• I bought myself a big torch - a really heavy one. Even though I don’t think I’d have the guts to bop someone on the head with it, it gives me a little comfort.
• I also bought a personal alarm that I carry with me. 

After about four weeks of solo early morning walks, my husband, Mark asked to come with me. Seeing how dark it was at 5 am, he asked me if I felt safe and of course, I said “No!” So now he comes with me every day and that makes me feel very safe. He’s an amazing husband. But not everyone has a partner to go with them. 

This is a very real problem, and I wish I had a clear solution. I’m increasingly curious about what other women are doing to feel safe. If you’re experiencing similar feelings of unease, please know you’re not alone.

At the end of the day, I’m not going to let fear get in the way of me getting out and doing what I need to do. Don’t let fear get in your way either.

LINKS:

Day with the Queen

Website

For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/