I was at an outdoor mall in Eugene one summer day with my two young daughters. We saw a girl about 13 years old, and a grown man walking about 10 ft behind her. She turned around and faced him and yelled very loudly, "Get away from me! Stop foilowing me!" She yelled that a few times and he turned and walked away fast. There were many other people in the area, all ready to help her. I told my girls, "And that is how that is done."
Oregon? I live outside Eugene. ❤ I've always told my girls make as much noise as you can if someone is following you or grabs you. Most of the time they are looking for someone who will go quietly
I moved recently from Eugene to southern Oregon in a rural place. Good idea with your girls! In martial arts I learned many girls won't scream because we're taught to be quiet, not make a fuss. So role playing helps, doing it with them actually practicing the yelling until it becomes a reaction.
I (as a 23 y/o female) was once at night followed by a guy with a mask. I had nothing on me to defend myself and nowhere to run. I decided to take a chance and act like I had gone completely insane. Making loud roaring noises while rolling my eyes into my head and baring my teeth I turned to approach him like I was going to attack him with my bare hands. The guy stood there frozen for a moment, then ran for it. Man I was lucky 😂
I did the same "insane"-act a couple of times when I was attacked in i.e. Barcelona and India in the early 90s. I went ALL IN (haha) and bc of that escaped rape by seconds. I am trained in throat growling (A Norwegian thing) so that helped a lot😀
If I find myself walking behind a lone female or parent/guardian with a child, I immediately cross to the other side and then walk slightly faster to get ahead of them so it is not apparent that there is any threat. In other cases I have changed my route altogether. I began doing this in my twenties (many years ago!) but over the years I have spoken of this habit and you might be surprised by the number of men who have admitted to same. We are animals and our senses are on heightened alert when alone. Once, walking home loaded down with groceries, a young woman was walking toward me. She looked straight in my eyes and said “Mr. Jackson! I didn’t know you were in this neighbourhood!” My name is not Jackson and it was a signal that she needed an “out” from the two men following her and my situation must have let her know that I was not a threat. I stammered a believable response, the two men disappeared and I was able to walk with her to her bus stop. It was a gamble for her but I am glad to have been there at that moment. I know this is a daily concern for millions out there and I wish everyone peace and thanks for this video.
I really appreciate that there are men who think this way. There is a Ryssian youtuber who convincingly dresses as a woman and shows how women are treated when just walking around a crowded city or beach resort town. He was pleasantly surprised to find out that very very few men harassed him. The ones who approached mostly took no for an answer. This is a starck contrast to the world I remember as a kid. Modern men on the whole think and act far differently now. But it is the remaining dinosaurs that make life dangerous for women. These men tend to have nothing to lose.
My best tip EVER : If you are walking around houses or buildings and someone suspicious walking towards you …ALWAYS wave up and call out past them “HI JOE IM HERE” up to ANY Window dark or lit , it’ll look like someone (a man) is waiting and watching you . The suspicious person will not be able to tell where and who you’re waving to. And they won’t take the chance on you. Use it! Brilliant!
@deniselasalle9545 perfect. The main objective is to make yourself difficult or confusing any way you can so they decide you aren't worth the risk. They will wait for an easier victim. That's why you can and should do or say anything you want that you think will throw him off whatever plan he has. There are no rules or morals when it comes to self-defense.
Great idea. Use a definite man's name for best effect. Joe could be Jo (a woman's name). Use Dave, Mike, Jeff, Steve, Paul, something that leaves them in no doubt they are male.
As a young Aussie girl in the 70’s aged about 10 I was doing my local paper round job when a man driving a car tried to block me in a driveway. I pushed through the bushes blocking the way before he had time to get out of the car and ran to the next house screaming to let me in. Thank goodness someone was home. They called my parents, put my bike in their boot and drove me home. First time I ever had a ride in a Mercedes. 😂 Oh, and I never did the paper-round again. 👍🏻
I was followed by a guy through the centre of London the other month - very busy and at first I thought I was being paranoid but I was not. I crossed the road, I went into a shop and he came in the shop and walked right passed me staring at me. I left the shop - I was freaked out. Now it’s London, it was busy but I was still worried. Next thing, he’s walking at the side of me matching my pace and kept looking g over at me. So at this point I was getting angry. I pulled my phone out and slowed right down it kind of forced him to continue because he would have made it obvious he was following. Then when he was ahead, he looked back a couple of times and I had decided to completely stop outside a shop I know. He then went into another shop just ahead of me - at this point I shot passed and was ready to FaceTime my boyfriend who lived nearby if he came out. But luckily I didn’t see him again.
A body guard who had been a Police Officer told me when someone acts crazy then you act even crazier back. Nobody wants to follow a crazy loud person… trust me.
@@elisadelaurenti2516 I was once told if someone is attacking you, "shout fire, fire!" and people will come running but if you shout "help" everyone will ignore you...
Heart wrenching news it is to hear of a young woman who went jogging alone on a jogging path through the woods. It’s lovely, I’m sure. Tragically, deadly too. Thank you for the reminder of how to handle this. Especially the eye contact thing. I would have thought total ignoring was best, but I see the sense of staring at him, however briefly, to let him know that you know he has nothing good on his mind, and you’re not having it. True story: A friend worked overtime in a large, multistory city building. She took the elevator to the parking garage. As the doors opened, a gut level feeling rushed over her. She quickly pushed the button for the first floor. To the night security guard there she said “I know you’re going to think I’m just being silly, but would you walk me to my car? I had a bad feeling when I tried to go.” He did so, as she apologized for bothering him several times. The next day he told her “After you left, I thought I should check it out. On one of the levels I heard a noise and then saw him in the distance. I shouted to him and he ran. I didn’t catch him, but from now on I’ll check the garage floors and not just assume everyone’s gone home. And you call and let me know when you’re working late.” How many women are dead because they “didn’t want to bother someone.” Do more videos like this, please.
Virtually every man will be willing to provide a woman with some measure of protection if she's feeling threatened. As long as we're not victimizers ourselves, and most of us are not. Listen to your gut. We won't think you're being silly, and we won't consider your request to be an inconvenience. You are not bothering us.
I was driving a city delivery route and stopped at a convenience store. My doors we're locked and I sat there organizing before I went in to get something. I glanced up and saw a guy standing at the right corner of the building. I continued what I was doing but immediately knew something was wrong. I glanced back up and he turned to the darkened left corner of the building, gave one head shake to a guy there. They both looked at me sitting in my car, I put it in reverse and left. I believe I was going to be robbed or car jacked. Mom taught me to always be aware of my situation.
If we walk out to our car, or are driving in a lot, we really watch the loiterers, we avoid them if possible. We make sure we change course if they’re hanging too close to our car..or wait til a group comes out with you..
I'm extra-aware when I'm returning to my parked car, or when I'm in a gas station. If I'm at a gas station and it's nighttime, I try to choose a pump close to the convenience store. When I'm filling the tank, my doors are all locked, and if I'm carrying a purse, it's out of sight under the front seat. When I lock the doors, I do it manually instead of using the key fob. That way, when I'm getting in afterward I open the driver's door with the key, which allows all the other doors to remain locked. (Using the fob would unlock all the doors, and someone could jump in). While I'm pumping the gas, rather than looking at my phone or watching the commercial playing on the pump, I remain aware and observe everyone around me. I lock my doors the same way in parking lots. Especially during the holidays, there are sometimes people walking around the lot scoping out cars and likely up to no good. This includes people who are walking around "selling fruit." I won't go near my car if someone like that is nearby. If they remain near my car, I would go back to the store and ask for an escort. I actually did this one time at a fast food restaurant in Arizona. My truck was parked fairly close to the door and I could clearly see it, but some people that had obviously been asking for handouts in the lot were standing around my truck and not leaving. That made me uneasy, so I asked one of the fast food workers if they could walk me to my truck, which they gladly did. As soon as we came out together, the beggars walked away.
I was in this situation. I was walking on the sidewalk. It was a warm fall day...I could hear the crunch of the fall leaves. It was a very quiet residential area. There was no other people visible for me to join. No traffic. In panic & fear, I turned to the next house I came to, and just walked up to the door and rang the bell! Door was open, it had a screen door to let the fresh air in, it was locked from the inside. I called out 'Dad' really loud. 'Dad, the screen is locked'. I heard footsteps running away fast.
Another tip: Have your keys ready to get into your car. Get into your car quickly and lock the door immediately. AFTER your doors are locked, THEN settle in: put on your seatbelt, get your sunglasses on, credit card out to pay the lot, etc. I once attended a seminar by a woman who worked in the same building I did and who parked in the same parking ramp that I did. She shared that she had gotten into her car but did NOT lock the door, and started getting herself organized. A guy opened her door and dragged her out. She fought him tooth & nail, and thankfully prevented being raped. She DID have to go to the hospital. Since her seminar, EVERY time I get in my car, I lock it immediately - day or night.
I knew a woman who told us she never locks her car door around men because she doesn't want to hurt their feelings. As though any man will die from hurt feelings.
@@aprilzcornerSubaru’s fob do that…you have to press longer to open all 4, even a different button for the hatch back. Also re-lock before you go to push your shopping cart to the cart pen. You Cannot be too careful.
If you're in a densely populated area this could be impossible, for me I live in suburbia so I can key in on somebody acting suspicious or whatever. (Phoenix AZ).
@@americafirst9144 A ploy so common that both criminologists and convicts have coined a term for it. The first calls it an "interview" and the second, a "feel-out". It allows them into control range under the guise of normalcy, occupies your thoughts and hands at the moment of attack, and tests your submission and surrender to further escalated demands...
What I love about UA-cam is the comment section. So many people sharing their experiences allows the story of this video to extend beyond the author could tell. It’s given me so many more ideas and examples of what to do if in this scenario. Thanks to all who have shared and know that your voices are heard ❤
I was followed once and didn’t know it. I wasn’t alone either, but was shopping with my parents and my brother. I noticed my brother kinda falling behind and walking behind me a ways. Then I eventually asked my brother why he was doing that and he told me there was a guy watching me and started following me. Thanks to my brother getting in between him and me, that was enough to keep him away. I’m so thankful for my brother.
@@valeriew4833 I am too! Boy, I didn’t even think of that, that he could have been snatched. We were already adults, so he’d be a bit too big to snatch.
I am in the UK and I arrived near my university for an open day - I was a mature student helping to show potential new students around. It was 9am on a Sunday morning, and a man started following me. No-one was around , so I started swinging my arms and walking with purpose, he carried on following me. I turned around to face him , staring at him , looking him right in the eye, and said in a low rough cold voice - ' can I help you?' He turn round and started walking the other way again... job done! I am a 5 foot 1 inch tall female , but he wasn't going to intimidate me...
Just a funny quick story! Back in the 70’s I was in my mid twenties. I had long hair a little past my shoulders. I was followed home after leaving a bar with friends one night. I was armed and knew I was being followed. I pulled up in front of my home. The guy following me pulled up right behind me. When I got out & he saw my facial hair, he pulled away rather quickly. Guess I wasn’t his type! 😂
I (female) always used to walk everywhere, even a bit too late in the evenings as a young (typically naive) woman. I found myself w/o a ride home one night from a party, so I walked through the nice n'hoods alone. A man stepped out from the hedges exposing himself. "Hah!", I said & kept on striding (I always did know the importance of confident posture, at least). He didn't follow me, TG, & I found a big sturdy stick to carry. But then I came upon a young couple who (bored & mean) started mocking me, "Ooh, look at her carrying a weapon... " etc. I was just a teen but thought "to hell with you". I kept the stick, ignored their taunts & got home safely. Women tend to weaken &/or care too much what others may think. If you aren't confident, at least Fake It Till You Make It!
Abraham Lincoln is quoted as having said: Walk softly, and carry a big stick. Don't lead with your face is the softly part. If a "mountain of a man" thought a stick was good... it's good enough for me. Lincoln is respected as a great leader for many reasons. I am not American, and I think he was an excellent role model. People in times past often carried a stick/ cane and knew how to use it. Any chemical in a spray bottle/ can you can weild. Hat pins, long ones with a decorative end are excellent. Hard to disarm you and whether you hit the hand or the groin that person WILL feel it. Give yourself time to get clear.
I totally agree with you that the last thing one should do is to show fear or run. The men who follow (usually) women, are weak and get a thrill out of the hunt if the women turns into 'prey' behaviour. I was followed by such a person in Britain on my way home late at night. I crossed the road and then back to be sure that the person was following. Then I turned around and faced him. I asked 'Are you following me?' He then looked down and shuffled his feet before saying 'Yes!' defiantly. I then saw red and launched into a speech starting with 'WHAT RIGHT do you have to follow me at night etc etc etc. Finally, he said 'Look lady, you go this way and I'll go that'. The second time was in Italy where I was followed by a gang of young men - late teens. I used the same technique with the head of the gang. In this situation he did not want to lose face in front of his 'friends' and started to take a step towards me. I instinctively knew that if he moved, so would the others follow. I immediately took a leap forward towards him, crouched and took up a martial arts stance with my hands ready to attack and made a loud warcry. I did not have any idea of a follow up and was relying on the fact that they didn't know that! I had merely copied what I had seen in films! Luckily, they didn't want to risk it and all turned around and went looking for easier prey. This is not rocket science if you use your brain - if you run you'll defenitely lose and be attacked, in my opinion.
When I was a college student I had to walk home from my job on campus very late at night. I used to carry a very large pair of pointed scissors at the ready.
And maybe lets not embrace the naive lable, Why do we have to be naive for just wanting to have the freedom to exist outside without being terrified of men?
I’m from NYC. My husband taught me to turn around without breaking stride, look the person up and down and turn back around and continue walking. I had to do this twice. It was terrifying, but it works. People with bad intentions do not want to be identified. Great video, cheers everyone!
I have instinctively done that..looked them straight in the eye and said "Is there something I can help you with?" in a commanding tone. Knocks them off guard and puts you in charge. But even before that, keeping distance is KEY.
I think it's eye contact because you can't identify them if you're unalive. I was in a situation where my life was in danger, and I was about to look down, and a voice said, "Look him straight in the eyes. It worked his demeanor change, and he left. They are looking for you to be weak and scared. I think that's what men get off on. I was scared but I did my best not to show it.
It happened to me one night. Coming back from a dinner at a friend, 30 min walk from my house, on top of the Avenue. At one point, there is no light and the area is pretty isolated, only a retirement house hidden in a large wooden area. I was walking slowly up the hill and from the wood a van started to follow me. I looked and the windows were dark. I continued up, and it was driving very slowly, following me. I had all alarms and red flags ringing, and a bad gut feeling, and was so scared. I assessed the situation: absolutely no one in the street by night, a very desolated point. But feet away a bus stop with light. I hurried there and started to study the schedule. Meanwhile, the van had stopped two feet away and was waiting. My heart was banging in my chest. Miraculously, a young guy appeared to the bus stop and waited with me. The bus arrived minutes later and we both went up and left. I was scared that the van would follow us and catch up when I was going to get out, but it did not. It was a very scary experience….
I was once followed in a quiet shopping center, by two men. The moment I walked out of the Bank, I saw them watching me as I was walking in their direction. As I turned around one of the corners in the shopping center, I could feel that they were following me. What happened next was an absolute miracle from God. As I was walking, I heard Holy Spirit commanded me to "Turn around!!!" I knew if was to give another step, then they would grab me. So, immediately I turned around and they were right behind me and I walked right in between them. They could've easily grabbed me, but it was such a swift move, that I caught them by surprise. I then turned around again to see what they were doing and saw the two men had split up in different directions. I quickly went into the nearest shop and stayed there until I felt it was safe to get to my car. All glory to God!
It'd be a lot easier if a kinder god didn't create feelings like that in people. My sister was Christian and attacked by 2 men as a teen and still has scars. All those poor kids attacked by priests. Hmmm I guess god just prefers you and let's the rest suffer. Lucky you.
My husband and I had a similar situation. We were in a mall with a sky walk and he wanted to go that way to get back to our car. But I had a weird feeling, looked behind us and saw 2 men following us, coming right up behind us, just inches away. So I turned on a dime and pretended to be looking in a jewelry store so I could assess the situation and inform my husband of my suspicion. I had seen these two men looking at us when my husband was getting us coffee at the other end of the mall, they looked very sketchy. I had a new iPhone we had picked up and we were there to trade in the one broken phone. I think there were 3 men working together because one homeless man was sitting outside of the Apple Store, that's how I assume they targeted us. It was around Christmas time and there were Christmas trees obscuring an open space as you entered this sky walk. After we stopped I could see them waiting for us there - one through the window and the other behind the trees. They both looked frustrated and perplexed, but were clearly hoping they could jump us when we continued on. So I discretely told my husband we needed to turn and go another way. I was not walking into that sky walk! I showed him, look, they're waiting for us. However, he lacks situational awareness sometimes and didn't really catch on to what I was saying. So I turned and went the opposite direction. As we were walking that way one of the men started running in our direction on the other side of the mall. I knew about an exit through a store to the street which was crowded with people. So we stopped in a store on the way, did some twists and turns to ditch them both and went out the store to the street then safely to our car. I knew they were up to no good and calling the police was useless because we had left the scene. Apparently the area has issues with criminals attacking and robbing shoppers. Some people had been stabbed and one had died recently. Situational awareness is extremely important.
67 female now but at 15 yrs old I was walking to my grandma's 2.5 blocks up the street. She called at around 9 p.m. wasnt feeling well so I told her I would come spend the night and leave mom a message at work knowing she would stop and check on us when she got off at 11 p.m. I had one block to go and was nervous as the same car drove by 3 times. Gut told me hide. There was a house 3 doors away that was empty. I ran into a backyard and crossed 2 yards to get to that home. Luckiest day of my life, door was not locked. I ran in, locked the door, cried so hard. After about 15 minutes no longer heard any car, looked out windows on all sides of home that had windows and hit the street running, 3 doors to grandmas. Made it but since that day I never walk alone especially at night. Never know where the creeps are.
@eileeneamon9070 it's such a crazy world out there. I would be afraid to live in the US. I'm female, short, thin, not driving, I walk a lot. Everytime I hear or read stories like this, I almost paralyze, I feel what the target (don't wanna say victim) feels.
Bahahahahahaha! It was me that night! I’m now 87! Na,sorry love,it not funny& glad you alive to post story.Im not from the States but from NZ& read so many horror stories of crime of all sorts in America!
When I was definitely followed as a teenager by grown up man. I crossed the street and all but he was really following me, i turn towards nearest bigger shop. They were selling clothes. I quickly mingled between people, grabbed 2 hoodies from nearest rail and disappeared into fitting room. from there I could see him, looking for me as I watched him. When he was far from my place a went out and got safely on the bus. I am so happy that I had this reaction!!
A million years ago...back in the 80s my friend and I worked for the same gas station company. I worked at the west side store, Bill worked at the eastside right on the interstate. He was shot in the head and killed at work in a robbery, guess that was 1982. Two years later, I was filling in at that exact station. At closing time, midnight, a monte carlo pulled up slowly, sat for a few minutes near the farthest pump, then slowly drove off. It did this 3 times. The last time, I let them see the revolver I had. They drove off for good. I quit soon after
very well said. I think as we get much older we get more vulnerable ie easy targets for crims. we need to be alert. I also carry a body camera with me.
I love to hike. Iwas hiking with my young 1 1/2 year old Rottie was with me. I felt like I was being watched on the trail, she was getting skittish. She kept looking behind us. I listened to her, we took a path that took us back, another way. We got in the car,locked the doors and left. It was a State park, though I never saw anyone, I am to this day sure we were being followed. She was a young Rottweiler, but still a protective. Years later, same park, but older male Rottweiler, well trained. We were stopped on a path, stood aside on the trail while 2 men passed. My dog sat in front of me with a low growl, he alerted them that he was watching. They moved on and didn't bother me. Dogs are great in this situation.
Years ago, the same thing happened to me when I was hiking with my dog. In our case I'm pretty sure we were being watched by a mountain lion. My dog was a retired guard dog and was not shy, but he just acted "different" that time. Maybe it was a young one, or maybe it just wasn't hungry, because we were able to get out of there. We never hiked in that area again.
@@TwistedQuestionMark Yes, actually it would. All that yapping and looking back and restless behaviour will draw attention and the person who follows you. Dachshunds usually have the bark of a bigger dog and that may surprise whoever is following you. Also your dachshund will realize someone has ill intent and following you before you do. Remember the potent poison comes in small bottles.That's the real answer but yea it's funny too, I get it.🐕💞
My older brother shared a story with me that back in the 1990s he and my sister-in-law were vacationing in North Carolina and walking down a street (I want to say the city of Raleigh) one evening heading to a restaurant. My brother noticed an unsavory character began to follow them at a short distance. So, my brother and sister-in-law crossed the street, and this stranger did the same. To test it more, they hooked a right and left, but the guy stayed on their heels. Then my brother verified his gut feeling and tried one last thing. So, they started walking faster, and so did the guy. So, my brother told her to keep walking, and my brother spun around after a hard stop and told the guy he was onto his game. This freaked this guy out, and he quickly scampered away into the darkness. My brother didn't have any tools on him, but his keen awareness and confrontational attitude prevented an event from unfolding. Maybe he just got lucky, I don’t know because this dirtbag may have had a weapon on him.
I accidentally did this once but its because I was lost, it was dark out, I thought they knew the way out, and also didnt want to be left behind and alone 😅
I could be wrong, but I feel that acknowledging a person that you’re aware of them (w/o escalating) works 99% of the time. So many people think “If I just ignore them they’ll go away, “ but that can make you more vulnerable in their eyes. Just my two cents.
Well, even if that's what my instinct would tell me to do also, I read that it's a bad idea because once the stalker knows you've seen their face, they'll want to disable you even more, because you could report him. I'd rather go into a crowded place, find a police man, call a friend, get a cab etc. I don't think I would confront a stalker alone. I'm a female and quite small, it wouldn't end up well if we were all alone.
Excellent advice. As a young lawyer, I worked very late nights in a very urban setting and parked in a multi-level parking garage. I walked standing tall to maximize my confident body language. I, too, on more than one occasion crossed the street. Like your wife, once the man crossed the street after me. I greeted a business man (not the perp) like I knew him and joined him as he walked toward me. He understood immediately and played along. Whenever possible, I tried to get someone from the firm to walk with me (most of us parked in the same structure which was 2 blocks from our building). I carried a Kubaton in my hand, as this was before pepper spray was readily available. I, too, stopped and turned around and made eye contact and once said "Back off" in a very loud voice. I think that not appearing to be weak or an easy target probably saved me more than once, as well as seeking safety in numbers. Excellent advice and thank you for this video.
A few years back I watched an interview with a female FBI agent talking about this topic. She said people are raised to be congenial/Polite and agreeable to strangers out in the world. She said because of this fact people often ignore their uneasy gut feelings and wind up being victimized or worse - killed. She said if you are getting a weird vibe, don’t hesitate to make a scene because at the end of the day you don’t know this person who is making you uncomfortable. Better to be alive than dead. With that said her advice took me back many many years ago when I was living in Boise Idaho. I met up with friends downtown. I’m not a drinker and I was driving and alone. I had to park a bit a ways away from our meetup. On my way to my car at 1am I was walking on the left side of the street sidewalk. I looked over and this guy was on the opposite sidewalk getting ready to cross over slightly ahead if me. As soon as I saw him veer off the sidewalk I yelled over “Don’t even think about it, don’t come over here!” I said it a couple times. He stopped in his tracks and got back on his side. Funny thing is it was more of a knee jerk reaction on my part or projectile vomiting. There was no stopping me from yelling at this guy. Always, always listen to that small voice.
Exactly on point. I can attest I have done the same as you mentioned. A few times I have turned around and yelled, crossed the street and maintain posture and brisk walk. I will often have a key between the fist to strike a blow if necessary. Vigilance and how you carry yourself make a difference.
@@Supportfreespeech That is really awesome advice. And yes, we are taught to be 'nice' to people and see the best in them. The truth is that screaming at someone who might be a threat, and is a stranger, has absolutely no down side. For others who are interested in why you should trust that little alarm in your head, read the book "The Gift of Fear, Survival Signs that Protect us from Violence." It is written by Gavin de Becker and there are lots of cheap, used copies out there. It is one of the best books I've ever read and a must read for women. You also cannot put it down!
Excellent advice, Daniel. I’d like to add that people also shouldn’t distract themselves with texting or listening to music while walking or even when stationary, such as waiting for a bus. Besides decreasing situational awareness, these activities can actually attract criminals in the first place because they signal that you’re distracted and hence easier to sneak up on.
I shop in a sketchy commercial area always at 6am. I carry a bogus "shopping list". When ever I fell someone staring at me, with ill intent, for no good reason, I break psychic contact, by looking down at my list. It has served me well, until now...Of course, when looking down, my radar is on high alert.
I always carry a whistle on my car keys. Most often when screaming out 'fire' or similar words, it can be seen as a joke. A whistle is piercing and makes everyone turn around.
I was walking to a friends house from the subway in south philly and ended up behind a local teen, and I'll never forget - he just casually turned around to check who was coming up behind him. As a suburban white chick in my 20s at the time, I had still had this feeling of "maybe it's rude if I turn around to look at someone," but when this kid did it in his own neighborhood I realized there is nothing rude about being safe. I do it no matter where I am and never feel bad about it.
Also, here’s a nice thing that people can do to help each other feel safe, when my husband goes walking in the neighborhood and he sees a person approaching or especially if he ends up behind a woman, he crosses to the opposite side of the street. My son in law (who IS the brute squad LOL) does the same, these are guys who have listened to our stories and have taken us seriously, and yeah, my husband was followed so he knows how it feels.
isn't that nice, it is so nice when men cross the street when they see a woman. I have never seen men do that to me, they seem to be totally ununaware that women get scared if a man runs from behind them or gets too close. My bf was followed by a man from the toilets
I'm an older 5 foot tall woman, living in Australia. Late one night, I got off a train. Walking home in the dark, I heard footsteps behind me, getting closer and closer, then a man's voice say "Don't be afraid. I'm just going to pass you" and I saw the figure of a tall young man with his long legs, walk past me. Even though I wasn't afraid, I was very touched by how considerate and respectful he was, knowing that there are a lot of good men/ people in this world.
I did something similar. I was in a different country, a busy place actually. But no matter where I went, I would notice a guy walking a little ways behind me to the point I knew without doubt he was following me. I became very worried and immediately saw a group of guys, so I went up to them and asked -can you act like you know me? I’m being followed! They kindly did, greeting me warmly, a group of lovely Israelis on holiday in Prague, and we all went to a cafe and sat for a while. When we left he was gone for good and at that point I felt safe to head back to my hotel. It’s not always a deserted area, as a single woman it can be very alarming even in a busy strange place.
I love Prague, but when I visit I am very cautious. It is dangerous. Eastern Europe is not for the weak of mind and heart. Many women vanish in these areas. I stay in the best hotel in the central of the city and I never stay in auberges. In those places, I had always the worst feelings. You did the right thing. Hope you go back there, you don't experience this bad experience again. Happy New Year!
@ It rattled me so much I changed my flight and left the next day! Yes I felt like he might bundle me into a car given the opportunity! So no I won’t be back but it really was a spectacular, but creepy place to be alone. Happy New Year!
If I have to walk down a quiet street with no traffic I always walk in the middle of the road, never the edges. I think this saved me once as some creeps are afraid of open spaces. Hiding is great as well
Back in the late 80’s, I was a sophomore in college, and very dumb and naive. My then roommate and I decided to take a study break, during an all-nighter, at 2am to go for a walk around our off campus housing neighborhood. I still remember the man. He wore a brown leather jacket and white pants with longish brown hair. At first, I thought he was also just taking an early morning stroll but after a few zig zag paths around the neighborhood, it was clear he was following us. We were so frightened and saw an apartment complex with a wide stairway leading up to a brightly lit area in front of the complex. The complex had an open atrium but had metal bars and doors for security. We stood there not knowing what to do. My roommate started nervously whistling as the man started up the stairs. All of a sudden a voice in the darkness of the atrium said “what is all this whistling noise”! The man scrambled down and ran off as soon as he heard the voice. It turned out the land lady lived on the first floor of the complex near the atrium, and heard the whistle echo in the atrium while she was going to the bathroom. She invited us into her unit and let us call our other roommate to pick us up. I truly think God was watching out for us! Since then, I never take safety for granted.
The first time I felt I was being followed was late at night, I ducked into a pub, explained the situation, the police were called, and they gave me a lift home. The second time was in the afternoon. I saw the guy a few times in the supermarket, I noticed he came out after me without purchasing anything, he got on the same bus, and got off at the same stop. When I crossed the road, he did too. The whole time, his focus seemed to be on me, and I don’t want this guy knowing where I live. Thankfully, I knew my neighbour, Pete, fairly well, knew he was likely to be home, and had his number (my first mobile phone... yes, I'm that old!), so I phoned him, but continued to walk. I figured I was safer if the guy following didn't realise I'd rumbled him because there's not many houses, only fields across the road, and far too many places I could be dragged to out of sight. So, when Pete answered, I said I'd just got off the bus, so he knew where I was, I've got X beer ("I think you have the wrong number") they only had the large pack ("you in trouble?) yes, it's really heavy, could you come help carry it? ("Stay on phone, keep talking.")... How he managed to get out, down the side road and around the corner into view so quickly I don't know, but I'm very grateful he did! He said that when he came into view, the guy following stopped, looked around, and then ran off down a side track.
Great information. I was followed at a park and changed directions and he was still following me. I tried to act calm and eventually someone was walking by with a dog. I went over like I knew them and asked to pet the dog. I won’t walk at the park anymore unless there are more people around.
I'm a woman, I used to walk on a hiking trail in Eugene Oregon. It was woodsy with trees and bushes on either side. I'd see one or two other people if I walked the whole mile but I was usually alone. I looked behind me often. I have CCP. If a man was walking towards me I passed on the far side of the dirt road. With my hand near my gun. It felt dangerous enough that I stopped walking there. A few weeks later I read that a woman was attacked on that very section of trail i used to walk.
Men and women should be teaching all children this. I learned karate from age 16 so it became automated when I was attacked from behind and I floored 2 guys in separate incidents on autopilot.
Bingo. Situational awareness is the one thing that would have changed 99% of peoples encounters. You’d be surprised how many people have NO situational awareness at all.
I've been followed twice. Both in my 20's before mobile phones, I managed to go into a shop & shouted really loud, pointed at him " that man is following me, call the police!" He ran! In the UK we don't have weapons. After that I learned my lesson. I always have a small can of hairspray in my coat pocket & carry a long umbrella 🌂. 2nd time it went on too long, did the eye contact & crossing the road, he followed me from town centre shopping & I was only 500m from my car. I had no choice but to turn around & confront him, stood strong, authoritative voice! Spray in hand pointing at his eyes, umbrella pointed at his neck & giving me distance. Told him "I'm ex army do you really want to continue this, you'll end up in A&E (ER), turn around & walk away!" His reply "f*ck, sh*t, alright I'm going!" I was shaking afterwards, I'm not ex army, total B/S.😅 However, I noted his features & what he was wearing & reported him to the police when I got home!
if it's life or death / kidnapping / robbing / car-jacking / rape / gangs of thugs / weirdos .... going to do YOUUU "Harm" ... you Neeed "Somethingggg" that Willl Stoppp them !! just Remember this (and Tell those that you "Care" about, ... "It's better to be Judged by 12 - than Carried by 6 !!" .... Life vs Death ! - ... i choose Life, every time !! hope you have a "Safe" and Happy New Year !! 👍🎉🎇🎊🎆 🙏
Same in Australia, no weapons, but we can make our own like your hair spray. Always carry something that can disable a person's eye sight, hold car keys in your hand with the point of the key between your fingers securely, wear large rings that can tear at skin. I've been followed several times, both in the city and isolated country areas. Each time I got out of the situation without the need for a true weapon.🇦🇺
I was followed once while taking out the garbage at a Mall I worked at in Phoenix, Az. I was in my twenties back then. I went through an employee entrance that led to the dumpsters in the back of the mall. I didn't know at the time that someone had been watching or following me. I just remember when I was throwing away stuff I got a creepy crawly sense and turned back a few feet to see why and a white man who looked to be in his 30's-40's, in blue jeans, a long sleeved shirt and Winter type vest with dark sunglasses on, and a beard, was leaning against the back entrance doors where I had just come from...and he wasn't an employee. The hallway where the stranger was blocking the entrance back, is long and secluded and he had just came out of it. He must have figured I had to go back that way. He was leaning against and guarding the doors that lead back into the mall while staring at me with a grin as I was throwing trash away. But he didn't know there was also another employee exit that was right behind me just inches where I stood. I knew the whole Mall as I worked at two stores in it. I noticed there was a security guard parked close to the area talking to some customers and the man kept glancing back and forth between the guard waiting to get back in his vehicle and drive away and also me. Then I noticed that parked next to the dumpster, like it was a truck making a deliver, was a huge Diesel truck, very nice, with one of those sleepers in the back, it also had a back too like it was hauling goods. The man kept looking at that too. The truck was parked so close to the dumpsters. That's when I turned around and opened the door behind me and ran to the other store exit where I also worked and went into a back entrance that led into a very populated food court area. The man was far enough away from where I stood that he could not reach me fast enough while the security guard was in the area as well, even if busy and far away, mall security was still screaming distance away. I don't know what that stranger was up to, but it made my skin crawl that day I was throwing trash away. I just felt like something was watching me and sure enough someone was. He had no business being in the employee hallways, and the way he stood there with arrogance blocking my way back in...that was especially creepy. Never ignore your God given instincts.
@@corinneyaworski-mh9uc I forgot to add that when I walked through the back way into the food court from the employee hallway, I was at the other end of the food court and away from the customer entrance, that is when I saw the man walking ahead of the food court looking around from the customer entrance, so as soon as I took off from the dumpster he must have walked through the dumpster area. Why go back into the mall?, why was he around that area to begin with? Who ever he was, he was using the wrong hallways to get through the mall, he wasn't an employee. The mall is like a small city withing itself, everyone knows everyone, even who the guys are who deliver goods. This guy was creepy. I never saw him after that day, I believe he was a traveling trucker and he must have been walking around when he saw me going through the secluded employee hallways and followed me without me knowing at that time. I didn't even go back to the original store I came from, I went to the other store I worked at and told everyone what happened. I was being extra safe so the guy didn't know where I originally came from. I watched him from behind as he walked through the mall and then left, he didn't know I was behind him at that point. It is like being followed when you are driving home, if that happens, never take them to where you live, drive to a police station or busy area and call the cops
My father taught me how to walk the street in Manhattan in the eighties. Walk fast, no eye contact, OR eye contact that is NOT friendly. Once at the port authority, he did have to get physical. Nothing like a father protecting his son. I learned a lot that day, I can still visualize it
My mom grew up in kc mo, she said the same thing..don’t make eye contact, but be aware and don’t go off alone where no one else is ( alley shortcuts, off beaten path
As a teenager in the 70s, I was sitting on the front steps of my building at 1 AM waiting for a friend, when I saw a car drive by. A few minutes later, I recognized the same car drive by again. At that point my gut put me on alert. Across the street I noticed I could see the reflection of his tail lights in some windows. I watched to see if he would drive away. Instead, I saw his brake lights come on, so I knew he was coming for me. I bolted into the front foyer and was halfway up the stairs behind the inner locked door when a man ran into the foyer with his pants open. I never forgot how I escaped a close encounter by watching his reflection in some windows. Keep your eyes open and use everything at your disposal to know what’s going on around you. And yes, I never sat outside alone late at night again!
LISTEN TO YOUR GUT!!!! DO NOT WORRY ABOUT BEING PARANOID!!! IS BETTER TO BE PROACTIVE THAN FIND OUT YOU WERE WRONG IN YOUR ASSESSMENT OF THE SITUATION.
"Just because you're paranoid don't mean they're not after you. " You cannot turn a decent man into a rapist by being 'rude' .... and no decent man would mind you keeping yourself safer
Happened to me years ago on a main, but quiet street. I noted an open door at a local museum; went in the back door, essentially. I knew the curator was a good person. Told him my situation; he was great! We talked a few minutes; he checked outside and I was able to go on my way. Never forgot that kindness and being trusted at my word. 🙂
When I was a teenager, I was walking down a quiet street in the afternoon when a guy in his 40s approached me. He started out by saying how pretty I was and then began telling me obscene things he did with past girlfriends who were pretty like me. Then he brushed my hair off my shoulder and I'll never forget the feeling of his fingers brushing against my neck and how scared I felt. That part of the street was wooded on either side but there were houses just up ahead. I said I lived up ahead (I lied) and I walked in the middle of the street in case he tried to drag me into the woods. He kept walking with me and as soon as I reached the first house, I said I lived there and walked up the driveway to the door and knocked. A lady answered, and I was crying as I explained what happened. She let me in and I called my dad to come get me. I'm 45 and will never forget that moment.
I want to thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with everyone, especially the importance of awareness (environment & self), the power of what you have (voice, physical separation, the power of crowds, and intentional eye contact), and advocating for self-protection devices. Regarding self-protection devices, I was fortunate to have lived in Tokyo, Japan for 9+ years, and one of the many things that stood out to me was how elementary school-age children freely took the train to and from school. It totally blew me away and three of the things I noticed were that they stayed in a group (until reaching their stop), they wore something bright (backpack or hat), and lastly I learned that they all carried either a whistle or an alarm that they could pull which would make the most ear-piercing noise I've heard in my life. One of the great things about all of that, was that every Japanese national had walked in those same shoes. They could relate with the traveling and responsibility that's put on them at a very young age, they knew why they were wearing something bright, and if the whistle was blown or alarm activated they immediately knew what it was and how to respond (thankfully, Tokyo is the safest city I've ever lived in my life). Thank you so much once again for this video and wishing you and yours a blessed, healthy, safe, prosperous, and peaceful 2025!
I was " mobbed by a group of male teens ranging from id say 13 up to 20, there were 11 to my count, as i got out of my car in my apt buildings secure underground parking garage. 60yrs old, 5ft 4 woman, and this group suddenly surrounded my car and back talking at me. I worked as an ER Nurse for many years so I just put on my authoritive loud voice saying, " you dont belong down here. WHY ARE YOU HERE. Others trying car doors joined them. The youngest kids headed for the stairs out, but the older bigger guys said " we can do what we want"... with that i slid into my car, id not closed the door yet, and started it and threw it in reverse, and started backing up .. the entire mob ran for the exit with me following in reverse. I dont have a cell phone, so i drove to the nearest police station, and made a report. Describing the 2 leaders best i could. The cops escorted me back, roused the apt landlord, whom we cant bother after 5pm. He knew which apt one of the leaders was visit8ng his grandmother in, because hed had issues with him. So i took a cop and re parked. And the other cops and landlord advised the grandmother of eviction, and got nane of most of the mob. Never saw them again.
1973...walking in NYC from bus terminal to an embassy...19 years old, fit, strong and rash like most young...older guy following me...cross to other side several times...he followed...busy with people & traffic as city tends to be...when crossing a strret with mnay others, made a 180 and went right up to the creep and confronted him...face to face, yelling & cursing...light changed...traffic honking...cop comes over and tells us each to go in adifferent direction..never saw that bastard again. Switch to 2023, guy following me in food store, kept meeting with guy in various aisles, no shopping cart...suspicious and alert..while putting bags in truck see him approaching me quickly, made eye contact...kept coming...at around 25 feet, I raised my shirt unconcealing my CCW...ready to draw...creep immediately made a 180 and went back in store...I followed, could not find him and notified mgt, police and we found him on store video...ran out through an employee area only, onto loading dock and ran away from store. Never saw that guy again. Police did not bring up that I flashed my weapon, which illigal in my state..but knowing this I did not care, as my life is supremely above any such law...Just my two cents...times have changed. In 1973 fights were mainly physical...now I and many others are armed. Basic take away: always be aware of your surroundings. One more thing...if you choose to conceal carry, you must think hard and decide if you will actually use it...if not, don't even bother to carry...the last guy...We were staring directly into each other's eyes...I knew he was up to no good and he knew I would use my weapon...love happy endings.
I know it’s not funny but for something to happen to you 50 yrs later could mean you some sort of sex siren or certain creeps like yr sort of look,walk,demeanour etc and I know it’s no excuse for them to do so!
@@kinafagan9250, Nice job, blaming the victim, and suggesting that being attractive is somehow wrong. We are NOT going to dress like mummies to avoid potential attackers. Those people belong in a cage, not on the streets stalking people.
I treat it the same as driving a car. Distance, space, keeps you safe. And drive (walk) as though everyone else's car is a missle out to get you. That last part was my dad's advice.
Happened to me in Paris, Cape Town and Vienna. Very scary and is the reason why I’ve lost my joy for travel. The Paris follow was the most aggressive, he stayed a few steps behind me whispering - I ran into a flower shop (about 6 p.m. on a Saturday) and asked them to call an Uber. When the Uber came, he was still outside waiting. The Cape Town one was done so well that I did not even notice - a Security guard called to me from a hotel across the road warning me. Again, I called an Uber this time myself because I was not sure if the security guard was setting me up and if the Uber driver would be safe (I’m South African and well familiar with the games). As I turned, I just saw the lightning movement of 2 men behind some cars. These are the reasons why I don’t travel as much anymore and have lost some of the joy. These were on well lit streets (Vienna), well before dark (Paris) and in broad daylight (Cape Town).
I was being followed by a guy on a bicycle, there was no doubt about it. I indeed went into a store, a bakery. There I told the people this guy was following me. He cycled by twice in both directions, clearly proving my point. Once he had just cycled past and could no longer see into the store, they quickly let me pass through their kitchen and out the back. I ran across the street into the neighborhood behind my house. There I checked whether or not I'd lost him. I thankfully discovered my action had been successful and I was able to safely walk home.
Always trust your gut! I used to ride my bike to work. One dark, cold December evening I was riding back home. A guy on a bike was behind me in the bike lane, and as I made a left onto a residential street, he had kept on going straight on the original street. But then, a few seconds later there he was, alongside me. He had turned around and come back to turn on my same street. He passed me on the left (sizing me up, perhaps?), and then fell back abreast with me again. Big red flag, so I immediately began sizing HIM up! He was shorter than me, quite thin, and oddly wearing a long, lightweight dark coat that couldn't possibly have kept him warm on a night where the temps were in the mid 30s. (I was wearing a ski parka, and I was cold). I also had a much bigger, heavier bike than he did. I figured if I had to, I could kick his ass. We were riding along a divided street that had a wooded creek running down the middle of it. Just before we came to where I was going to make another left across a bridge over the creek, he asked me in broken English if I would have sex with him. I laughed out loud, and told him in Spanish how ridiculous that was - and that I was older than his own mother. I think that really surprised him, and he didn't know how to react. He kept going straight along the creek, and I turned left and crossed the bridge. That time he didn't follow me. So, fast forward a couple weeks, and there was a local news story about a young man that had been arrested and identified as a serial rapist, with several of the attacks having happened along that very same creek, in the same block! The description exactly matched the guy I had encountered, including the bike. I guess I dodged a bullet that night. But then again, maybe HE dodged the bullet, because I was in no mood to be messed with.
@@magicunicorn6535 sounds like you still dodged a bullet, it can't be fun having to physically fight a person who wants to 🍇 you. You really had good instincts and acted in a way that shifted him out of his internal narrative of what he was going to do to you in probably a predator/prey story. How you responded actually kind of reminds me of my husband being approached by someone at gunpoint, asking him to give over his wallet. My husband said: no thank you. And then just continued walking - as he was internally freaking the hell out. He still walked normally, until he turned the next corner and only then started running. He figured the robber might come to their senses and come after him and that showing signs of distress might set the robber off to try and get his wallet again. Anyway, you go!
Absolutely good advice, I’m glad your wife kept herself safe, smart lady! I walk for exercise through my neighborhood in my small town and have had this happen a number of times. I never speed up my pace, I start to walk basically like a man and I always make eye contact. I carry pepper gel and taser combo as well as a quick release lanyard heavy with metal keychains that I’ve practiced with. I’ve even had a creeper follow me at walking pace in his car, I pulled out my phone and pointed it towards him, and yes, I’m still here. Awareness is the best weapon. In addition, if you like to listen to music or podcasts while walking, only use one earbud and use a volume that allows you to be aware of noises around you. Thank you also for doing this talk about people and not just women, my husband had a big truck follow him for two blocks while walking once, it was really scary, he called me to describe the truck as it was happening and they drove away once they saw him on the phone. Stay safe friends!
My husband and I were walking a trail and there was a group of older teenagers ahead. My gut just felt like something wasn’t right. So I told him, start slowing your pace. They slowed their pace. Ok, this isn’t right. So I stopped to look down into a ravine and point down at the River as a pretend distraction. They too stopped and were waiting for who knows what. I knew if we kept on ahead, where the trail bends further into the woods, past houses, we were doomed. When they started to walk away, I said NOW, and we ran the opposite direction and got out of there really fast. Trust your gut people!
This is good advice, women always have to be alert. Although I have never gotten any assistance from the police when I did ask for help. My ex military neighbor started stalking me in a subtle way, walking by or riding his bike by my condo, showing up at the library, used a drone to fly by my balcony and car and flying when I walk. I reported it and you're right, often no one will help you!. I confronted him, changed my phone number, quit talking to him, and made 2-3 reports but was not hurt physically. Stalkers are like bulldogs, very, very persistent and undeterred. (Dan Tim Erlich).
when I was innocent & young I had a few horrible episodes with men. I learned when I got a big dog I could go anywhere by myself & never be threatened or bothered again. My dogs were all easy animals, but large & if they stood still & stared, men even left the camp ground! I think all girls/women ought to have big dogs, the most gentle know when to look strong.
Yes!! I love walking with my big, loyal, loving but fierce when needed dog. If I keep an eye on his observations, I see people, animals, anything long before I would ever sense it myself.
I have owned English Bull Terriers - scary looking dogs (but really loving and the clowns of the dog world). People would cross the street away from me when I walked with them. I told my partner this and his smart, humorous remark was that people were afraid of me, not the dogs !
Dogs don't deter everyone. When I was 20, I lived with people who had two pitbulls. They were wonderful dogs but if you came to their home and they didn't know you, they would go crazy barking and jumping at the door as if to attack. They never did but you wouldn't know that if you didn't know them. A guy followed me home one evening and the dogs did their usual routine. He tried to follow me into the house even with them barking. I pretended to be concerned about him and that the dogs would attack him and was able to close the door on him. If he had forced his way in and the dogs attacked him, they would have been punished and they should not have been, since they were only protecting me. That was my concern more than anything else.
@@KarenR71 A few years ago my new Australian Shepherd rescue that I had for only two weeks lunged at a man in the park who pretended to try to get near me by petting the dog, (the man fell back on the ground, cursed and left the area) This dog definitely sensed this person was probably a threat and was not going to let him near me. This breed of dog is a protector, and most are gentle but understand possible threats as their instinct is to protect sheep. My niece bought one to take with her to college and live off campus. No one bothered her the entire four years.
When i was young & naïve, i decided to head home late at night , alone! I caught the night bus & then started walking the last 5 minutes home , as i walked i could here a light dragging sound behind me , i stopped & the noise stopped, i was terrified, i sped up & so did the noise, i raced into my gate & hammered on the door, my brother let me in & as i turned around i realised my bag strap had broken & my bag had been dragging across the floor behind me , like a stalker, what a relief. As a woman i would never go out alone at night .
Do NOT head to the assumed safety of your home. Change direction, go to areas with more people i.e. a shop, a restaurant. Alert someone in those places that you think you are being followed. Do not think you are being foolish in your assumption. If your not being followed, fine. You just carry on with your day. If you were being followed, you have averted what could have been a serious threat and you learn the lesson and carry on with your day.
I was once in Vancouver very early in the morning before the busses were running. A man jumped out of a car and walked over to me. I was only 19 at the time and maybe 120 pounds. He was trying to coerce me into the car. The first thing I thought was I was probably faster than him, so if he tried to get me, I could run into the McDonald's across the road and go behind the counter. But I started acting angry and yelling at him to back off. After a while of me causing a scene, he backed off and drove away. Now I have a daughter and I always tell her if she feels unsafe around someone, cause a scene and go find someone you trust. We've even practiced her yelling "no!" As loud as she can in case someone tried to touch her.
I was chased through a woodland when out walking with my dogs. I got a 100 yards or so in front of him and got my phone out and pointed it at him. He obviously thought I was videoing him and taking photos and run off in the opposite direction … very useful if you are in a remote place and have enough distance between you.
My grandmother told me that my grandfather told her (this could be almost 100 years ago!) that, if he was taking the bus home, and a lady got off at his stop, he would always hang back for a couple of minutes and, maybe, light a cigarette or slightly change his route home and give the young lady time to be on her way and out of sight. I have lived all my life in New York City; sometimes, a lady might be in front of me and I knew we were heading for the same place, I would take my keys out and make noise - just enough to alert her that I was there. Also, if it is possible, if she is wearing heels, she might want to remove them and carry them and run without shoes - but, again, there would have to be quite a distance between the lady and the person she feels is following her for her to have time to do that.
@@ti3167 it might be helpful to reread this. First part was Grandpa telling Grandma what he does so a female understands he means her no harm. The second was Grandma saying what she herself would do if she felt threatened
I've had a few situations. When was two of us young ladies driving home from a gig late at night and I was going to bring her home to her apartment. A car full of guys was following us. So instead of going to her apartment I started heading over to my part of town where I knew where the police division was, and I just pulled right into the police division, and that got rid of them. Another time I was alone in my car on an interstate going from one state to another. An 18 wheeler truck started following me and then getting up beside me and then pulling back behind me and looked like trying to talk to me. First thing I did was since this was before I had a cell phone but there were a few around, I picked up a cassette and held it up to my ear while he was behind me to try to make it look like I was reporting him. And he was pretty close behind me. So the next thing I did is with an exit coming up, I turned my blinker on like I was going to exit, and I think he thought that was me flirting and pulling over so he'd follow. Knowing that he can't maneuver that truck as fast as I could my car, at the last minute I did not exit but he had to. Just a few months later, I heard about a serial killer working that interstate. I called bureau of investigation for that state and described him and his truck, which was something that stood out. Just in case. One time I was at a public park that had some woods off to one side. They're usually weren't very many people out there at all. So it was pretty empty. And I had my big dog and started taking a path through the woods when I noticed what I thought was a creepy man not far behind me. He fell back when I saw him and I just quickly took the dog a little further into the thicket and crouched and listened for his whereabouts. I didn't know my way around that thicket and only knew the one way out that I had come in, so I felt I had to just lay low. And then eventually I could sort of hear and plus I thought I was hearing some people now in the parking lot, so then we made a dive for the parking lot knowing I could call out if necessary. Carrying a police whistle around your neck or in a pocket isn't a bad idea. And the other thing I have heard is that if someone does start trying to take you away, just become dead weight and sit on the ground because dead weight is hard to move. And then start yelling.
One time when I was in my 30s I was driving down the coast road from Mendocino to San Francisco. It was a weekday and there were few cars on the road. Then a large pickup truck with oversized wheels came up right on my tail. There were three guys in it. I wasn't poking along, I was going the speed limit. I took a couple turnouts to let them pass, but they pulled into the turnouts with me and back onto the road behind me each time. They would sometimes pull alongside me on the left, which is always a bad sign whether you're in the middle of nowhere or on a busy freeway. They were laughing, and obviously just messing with me, but I was done with all their games and was getting pretty annoyed. I finally started slowing down, and then just stopped in the middle of the highway, straddling the center line. They drove on a ways, and then stopped. I just waited to see what their next move was going to be. They backed up a few feet, then appeared to change their minds, and drove off. They peeled out, driving way too fast, and disappeared as the road started curving back up the mountain towards Mill Valley. A few minutes later there they were again, only this time their truck had gone off the roadway, rolled a couple times and was lying upside-down, its wheels still spinning. Did I stop to see if they were still alive? Nope. No cellphones in those days, but did I stop in Mill Valley to call 911? Nope. Did I laugh all the rest of the way to San Francisco? Yep. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes!
@magicunicorn6535 Scary. I have completely stopped on the road when someone is riding my bumper. Most of the time I don't even think they're aware they're doing it. But those guys were.
I was jogging in the evening and noticed a guy behind me. I turned onto another street, he followed. Changed streets again and he got closer so i turned and ran by him off the sidewalk into an empty four lane road and ran to a store. Saw him in the store and his eyes, well I really escaped something.
Good advice. I found myself in many similar situations. Sadly I have now stopped walking home alone and always ask for the company of a male friend. I also have pepper spray which is legally available in Germany. Keeping hold of my keys is also good advice. But it is a sad state of affairs. In Germany they also have dedicated illuminated women only car parking spaces. That helps, too
I was in my early 30's, it was in the early 90's, approximately 10-11 at night, in Fresno, California. I was driving home alone from a friends, and at the stop light there was a car behind me with two men inside. It was apparent they were following me so when I came up to my street to turn on, I decided to pass it and keep driving so they would not know where I lived. They continued to follow me all around town for a good 20 minuets or so and at one point the passenger got out of the car at the stop light and started walking up to my driver-side window; the light was still red and there were no other cars around me, so I decided to take off and go through the red light. The passenger ran back to the car and they continued to follow me and I was scared. At that time, we didn't have cell phones and I was dating a police officer and decided to drive to the precinct where one of the briefing offices was where the police go for briefing and pick up their squad cars for their shift. It was just down the street and around the corner in a large office complex from where I was. I drove into the parking lot, the men were still following me, and I drove right down into the highly lit garage where the entry to the building was and there were at least 20-25 police cars parked all around. As soon as the two men realized where they had followed me, they slammed on the breaks, pealed out in a back up motion and sped off quickly. My heart was racing and I just sat in my car of course with the doors locked for a good ten-fifteen minutes or so directly in front of a camera. At that time, those briefing precincts are usually pretty empty, because the officer's are out on their shift. There were cameras all around and again, the area well highly lit. My instinct told me they are most likely gone and I can then slowly back out and go home. I watched like a hawk and went a different way home taking a lot of turns on various streets watching to make sure they were not lurking around and waiting. I was blessed to have made it home safely and never saw that car or those two men again. I will say, they were most likely immigrants from the Mexico area or close to that country and may have been illegals! My instincts that the Lord gave me, saved me from something bad that could of happened that night...Lady's don't ever let them know where you live; I lived alone at that time.
Situational awareness from the start. I’m a woman in San Francisco. You guys have heard how crazy gets around here. Well, I haven’t been victimized because I use situational awareness. If I go out, I’m back at home before midnight. If you ever have to yell for help, don’t say help scream FIRE. Nobody is going to come and help you most likely but they will certainly come around because they think their house or car might be on fire.
Years ago in Boston right outside of Roxbury my apartment building was one block from bus stop, a guy came out of nowhere and was following close behind I turned to look at him and smile as I was about to enter my building he grabbed me from behind putting a chokehold on me forcing me to pass out. He dragged me between two abandoned buildings and I woke up screaming which alerted my upstairs neighbor who yelled out the window causing him to run off. Never ever let anyone get that close to you, I was young and too polite to put up my hand and say no , stop. Always carry mace or pepper spray and don’t be afraid to use it if a situation like this arises
My wife was attacked very badly by a guy who stocked her and jumped her. She had mace but the guy was jacked up on drugs and felt no effect of the mace. Remember all mace does is give you at BEST 2-5 seconds to run like hell before he gets adjusted. Now he is even more jacked up on adrenaline and pissed at you. A woman will NEVER stop a man like that, unless they have a gun. Ask my wife. 3 surgeries later, a plate in her arm with 30 screws, 6 months of PT, took her2 months just to be able to dress herself again, and a 1 1/2 years to recover, but will never get full function of her body and has lots of permanent health problems we are still dealing with 4 years later. Forget court , restraining orders, and knowing he his still out there. Jail was time served. Live in a Maine. Liberal, but not as liberal as Mass.We carry a gun everywhere now. The only thing that will save us. So forget the mace, that is movie crap.
Wow! He should have been charged with attempted homicide. I am so glad your wife is still alive. She is very lucky. I'm sorry for both of you and your family that she had to endure this and go through it!
Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan...my old stomping grounds. Glad you were okay. I got my purse snatched in Mattspan. I was just a kid, all that was in there was my retainer. I got in so much trouble cause no one thought a kid would get their bag snatched 😮
Amsterdam 1991, being tourists in the town. My ex wife tells me we are being followed. I'm eternally glad she was switched on because I wasn't. We double-checked by stopping at shop windows. They'd stop when we did. By this time we had moved from the main shopping precinct, a tactical error on my part. There was two of them, one big, one average and ratlike. Being in Europe, we had no legal weapons for self defence. I decided we should continue along. Lucky for us, we came to a T Junction in a suburb with two cops patrolling. We crossed to the cops and the two would be muggers went the other way giving me a dirty looks as they went. I relaxed too much in a foreign city so much so that my situational awareness was not there. Stay safe and have a great new year. Cheers 🍻
I appreciate that "follow your gut feeling" is stressed. If you change your route and it turns out they were simply walking in the same direction, the only thing you've lost is a few steps. "The Gift of Fear" book makes a similar point - trust your gut.
That is a good video. Thank you. I was followed when I went on a hike in a lonely forest. First, I realized that someone was following me, was when I received an intuitive perception about it. I started to feel a painful feeling in my solar plexus which got worse by the minute. I had the urge to hide behind a bush, but then I tried to be rational and pushed these feelings away. The bad vibes but got worse and worse when I all of a sudden saw a tall man in a beige suite (that was so weird, to wear a beige suit in a mountain forest). He appeared on the path that I was on. There was a turn on the path, that is why I only saw him then. He was about 20 meters away from me and when he saw me we locked eyes, and my blood felt as if it was freezing. I had a strong sensation that this man wanted to harm and kill me. He started to look for a stick. My first instinct was to simply run away from him, but where? As it would only lead me deeper into the forest. In that instance, what I did, as I had no weapons of any kind with me, I started to pray for help and a voice told me to turn towards that man, walk towards him, and not look into his eyes but pass him calmly and then run for my life into the direction of the mountain settlement that was about 15 minutes away from. Due to my prayer, I felt a strong LIGHT wall around me all of a sudden. I held on to that awareness as I was completely scared. So I pushed my enormous fear away, slowly walked towards that man, who was standing there with that stick, and I did not look into his eyes, he did not move an inch when I passed him, but then I started to run, and it felt as if I run for my life. When I did run along the forest path, I avoided to look behind me as I was afraid that if I see him, the fear will slow me down. I reached the settlement and entered a restaurant. I was shaking. The first person seeing me, was startled and said " What on earth happened to you? _ and she helped me and calmed me down. Also informed authorities. This experience changed my life. Since this day, I always listen to my hunches and intuitions and not try to rationalize them even if direct physical proof is absent.
Sounds like he saw you elsewhere and followed, maybe why he was in suit. I have often wondered what was it that day that transpired between me and a stranger. Trust your gut, your intuition and feelings.
@@gerismith1218 I never thought about that he could had already followed me when leaving the little settlement. It was a November day, very foggy. No tourists on that high plateau in the Austrian Alps. When I entered the forest, already after about 250 meters I started to receive weird impressions. A bird let out a sound and the thought popped up in my head " This is a messenger of death". It was so weird but I still walked on, when I seemed to see BEINGS standing in my path telling me to turn around and not go into the forest this day. I actually thought I have a vivid phantasy and ignored that. I walked on and the path turned left when it got intense. I suddenly SAW little earth-colored gnomes in front of me, screaming hide behind that bush, hide behind that bush. I understand if many people might not believe me, and I have never experienced anything similar before and I myself did not believe what I was experiencing (but I experienced it later a few times again when I was hiking with a group of friends up a high mountain and we took the wrong path and it got completely dark and we there was someone guiding us and similar). I thought in my head, that cannot be that I see gnomes, I am not clairvoyant, so this was my self-talk. Then there was a HUGE pain in my solar plexus, I turned my eyes back to where I was coming from, but there was nothing there to see on the earthly level, but I SAW a MONSTER coming towards me on a finer level, with knives, bloody, a gorilla-like figure, primitive. Then that man appeared with that beige suite. Yes, we need to listen to our intuitive warnings as it can help us evade a lot of harm. All the best.
@@MaggyKN Thank you for your comment. Yes I know. The inner voice told me also other things in the one minute I made my decisions. It told me for example, that I am at a Crossroad on that day, and I will either die or live. I have to proof today that my Faith in God is strong.
When I enter a new space -- exiting store, exiting elevator, etc -- I like to pause, take in my surroundings. Helps my situational awareness and let's any creep know I might not be the easy target he's looking for.
Yes!!! Went to the river one night to see the northern lights. There was a man that was following me. I ran up to three woman and told them what was happening. They said ok your with us. He left after that.
I was riding a bike on a quiet neighborhood street a car turned onto the street behind me. I felt afraid of this car from that moment i knew they came this way because they saw me. So, I went on the sidewalk. He pulled past me stopped and got out walked to the back of the car. I went back on to the street to make a wide arc around him. He said excuse me in a friendly tone, and then lunged at me as i steered around him just out of reach. Lucky my gut had me strategizing from the first moment. Never ignore that feeling. Its clear as a bell.
Once, I was walking home from work when I realized that I was being followed. After making a few turns to verify it, I walked to a spot where the streetlight was to my back, turned, and dropped into a defensive stance. I looked him up and down, and asked him why he was following me. He stopped, and I started to slowly weave back and forth as if waiting for a sparring partner to try a strike. After about a minute, he backed up a little and started walking away. A glance back at me, crossed the street, and he disappeared around a corner. I waited about five minutes, then started home. Never saw him again that night or any other, but I was hypervigilant for the next two weeks. Since then, I've moved around a lot, and have settled in a small rural town that's mainly farmland. I've been taking courses in Krav Maga, Silat, and some MMA mixed in. The other towns and cities in my area are more active, and when I'm out, I remember the saying about it being better to know how to fight and not have to use it. 👍🥋
Pre cell phone days. I was being followed and went inside a commons building at Columbia College MO and no one would help me. I was 15 I waited for 15 mins and went back outside and ran to my grandparents house the dude was still following me.
@@elaineporter182 That's terrible. You were too naive to not ask the college kids, but that's not your fault. When in trouble, we need to find somebody who has a vested interest in the building, business, etc, like a store clerk/office worker or janitor. You can't ask other customers or people just passing through an area. Those people are afraid that you are the one trying to pull something over on them and will keep on walking. The best thing you can do is ask strangers if you can walk near them until you get to some place safe.
I was a teen in the 70's in a beach area in Santa Cruz county, and I used to need to go for walks alone just to get out of a stressful home situation, but I was very fit, very alert, I would tuck my long hair into my shirt at night, and hold a knife in my hand hidden by my sleeves. I would walk with confidence, and also I knew I could run up to any door on the street for help. The one time someone or something descended from the woods towards me when I was on an extremely isolated stretch of road in the late afternoon going home, I screamed as loud as I could and got in the middle of the road and sprinted towards town, not stopping screaming at full throttle until I hit an area with people and cars, but I did not stop sprinting as if my life depended upon it until I made it home a mile or two later. I got my stepdad and he got a bat and we drove back but found nothing.
Thank you so much for posting this info. I have used this method to protect my elderly mother and myself at WalMart from shady beggars. Thank you to all the people who commented with their own stories.
In Egypt a friend and myself decided to go for a walk to check the area out on our first day, I noticed two people standing in the distance body language was a bit odd? I suggested to a friend for us to avoid a side alley, we changed course and followed the main road to avoid those. That day we were very lucky to say the least, some other tourists were attacked in that alleyway.
I believe that we should always listen to that little voice/instincts whatever you want to call it. When I was 18, working a fairly late shift at a grocery store, I had a man approach me and tell me he would be waiting for me when I got off. I didn't know this guy, so I told my manager I was creeped out by his statement. The manager told him to leave and the man refused, so my manager called the police. I called my dad who came to get me prepared with my brother. The police were arresting the guy when I left with my dad behind me in his vehicle and my brother with me. Now, as an adult with four children under 10, this is a scenario I've thought of, what would I do. Thanks for going over this.
My mastiff was a four month old big puppy at 65lbs when I was walking him on the side of a not too busy road. Soon a weird looking dude was walking behind us. He immediately noticed. I tried to speed up but my boy absolutely refused. He turned around and faced the guy ready to defend. The guy actually crossed the road to avoid us and sped up. To this day, my now 110lb Dogo Argentino absolutely refuses to turn his back on a potential threat. He’s no bs. Doesn’t even bark - won’t waste the energy. He just turns around, stiffens up and gives the fafo death stare with an occasional low growl. We travel back n forth from a big city to a semi-rural area and being a petite female, I’m always on alert when shady characters approach. Once they get close enough to see my dog’s size they completely change their demeanor and disappear. I also carry multiple defensive tools on me, but I feel so much better having this big, fierce molosser by my side.
What bad guy is going to attack a woman with a Mastiff for one? But two, the dog could have just sensed your apprehension at the man. Him and, as you describe, at least a few others since. Fearful people shouldn't have "aggressive" dogs especially when they are much bigger than them. Too many innocent people, including the owners, get attacked and worse by that combination. If you're scared your dog will be looking for the cause. If you're mad, your dog will be mad and looking for the cause lol. Aggressive dogs need calm owners.
@@fredastaire5300 First of all I said my dog noticed the man and reacted immediately meaning before I did. How could he have been reacting to me, if I didn’t even notice the guy first, lol. Secondly, where in my comment did I state my dog was fear aggressive, or that I am in general a “fearful person.” Did I not specify the people in question were shady or do you have issues with reading comprehension? Clearly, you don’t understand the difference between being “fearful” and having situational awareness. Foolish people shouldn’t make ASSumptions. I have zero issues handling my dog. Not to mention the fact that he’s professionally trained and is totally obedient. If you knew anything about this breed, you would know that this is a highly intelligent animal, and it’s in their bloodlines as guardians and hunters to protect and defend. There’s a big difference between a dog defending its owner, and a dog being fear aggressive and reacting to everyone that crosses their path for no good reason. What bad guy is going to attack a woman with a mastiff? Not many, which is why I got him genius, but there have been instances were mentally ill people high af on something have gotten close enough, and thought about it. Not to mention the simple fact that if one is following at a distance, you cannot see the size of the dog right away until you close that distance. That’s when they back off. My dog never lunges at people, barks or growls without good reason. If someone shady is invading my space he lets them know to back off but he would never attack unless someone with bad intentions got close enough and tried to harm me. That does not make him an aggressive dog that makes him a protective dog. I have had people on the street approach me to ask for directions etc. and never once has my dog become aggressive with them or attempted to attack any of those people. If I had no control over him, certainly I wouldn’t have people coming up to me at all on the street. He’s smart enough to know when someone ain’t right, and if I give him a simple command he listens. The only people who have good reason to be afraid of him or either fearful themselves, or are up to no good.
@@fredastaire5300 First of all I said my dog noticed the man before I did and his reaction was justified. How could he have been reacting to me if I didn’t even notice the guy first? Secondly, where in my comment did I state my dog was fear aggressive, or that I am in general a “fearful person.” Did I not specify the people in question were shady or do you have issues with reading comprehension? F00lish ppl shouldn’t make ASSumptions. I have zero issues handling my dog. Not to mention the fact that he’s professionally trained and is totally obedient. If you knew anything about this breed, you would know that this is a highly intelligent breed, and it’s in their bloodlines as guardians and hunters to protect and defend. There’s a big difference between a dog defending its owner, and a dog being fear aggressive and reacting to everyone they see for no reason. What bad guy is going to attack a woman with a mastiff? Not many, which is why I got him genius, but there have been instances were mentally ill people high af on something have gotten close enough, and thought about it. Not to mention the simple fact that if one is walking at a distance, you cannot see the size of the dog right away until you close that distance. That’s when they back off. My dog never lunges at people, barks or growls without good reason. If someone shady is invading my space he lets them know to back off but he would never attack unless someone with bad intentions got close enough to harm me. That does not make him an aggressive dog that makes him a protective dog. I have had people on the street approach me to ask for directions etc and never once has my dog become aggressive with them or attempted to attack any of those people. He’s smart enough to know when someone ain’t right, and if I give him a simple command he listens. The only people who have good reason to be afraid of him are either fearful themselves or are up to no good.
@@fredastaire5300 Where in my comment did I state that my dog was fear aggressive, or that I am in general a “fearful person.” Did I not specify the people in question were shady or do you have issues with reading comprehension? Uneducated people shouldn’t make assumptions. You admit that “bad” people exist, and yet you insinuate if a woman notices a potential threat she’s a “fearful person” and not a “calm person” and shouldn’t have a protective dog. Sounds like you’re the kind of guy that likes meek women who walk alone, have zero situational awareness or any means to protect themselves. As for me, I’m going to continue to do what bad guys don’t like, which is stay aware and be proactive when it comes to my safety and security:) Furthermore, I have zero issues handling my dog. Not to mention the fact that he’s professionally trained and is totally obedient. There’s a big difference between a dog defending its owner, and a dog being fear aggressive and reacting to everyone in their path without reason. What bad guy is going to attack a woman with a mastiff? Not many, which is why I got him genius, but there have been instances were mentally ill people high af on something have gotten close enough, and thought about it. Not to mention the simple fact that if one is walking at a distance, you cannot see the size of the dog right away until you close that distance. That’s when they back off. My dog never lunges at people, barks or growls without good reason. If someone shady is invading my space he lets them know to back off but he would never attack unless someone with bad intentions got too close and tried to harm me. That does not make him an aggressive dog that makes him a protective dog. Do you not know the difference between being fearful and having situational awareness? I have had people on the street approach me to ask for directions etc. and never once have I run from them or has my dog become aggressive or attempted to attack any of them. He’s smart enough to know when someone ain’t right, and if I give him a simple command he listens. The only people who are afraid of him are either fearful themselves or are up to no good.
@ Where in my comment did I state my dog was fear aggressive, or that I am in general a “fearful person.” Did I not specify the people in question were shady or do you have issues with reading comprehension? Uneducated people shouldn’t make assumptions. I have zero issues handling my dog. Not to mention the fact that he’s professionally trained and is totally obedient. There’s a big difference between a dog defending its owner, and a dog being fear aggressive and reacting to everyone in their path for no reason. What bad guy is going to attack a woman with a mastiff? Not many, which is why I got him genius, but there have been instances were mentally ill people high af on something have gotten close enough, and thought about it. Not to mention the simple fact that if one is walking at a distance, you cannot see the size of the dog right away until you close that distance. That’s when they back off. My dog never lunges at people, barks or growls without good reason. If someone shady is invading my space he lets them know to back off but he would never attack unless someone with bad intentions tried to harm me. That does not make him an aggressive dog that makes him a protective dog. I have had people on the street approach me to ask for directions etc and never once have I run from them or has my dog become aggressive and attempted to attack them. He’s smart enough to know when someone ain’t right, and if I give him a simple command he listens. The only people who are afraid of him or either fearful themselves or are up to no good. There’s a big difference between being g fearful and having situational awareness. Educate yourself and learn the difference.
Thank you. You know what's going on and, without unduly scaring us, you remind us that there are some really bad people out there and we need to be prepared.
Awesome video and well put! As an old Marine, Biker and having been an Over The Road Semi Truck Driver I have seen and experienced more of this than I care to mention. Hair spray, Hornet & Wasp spray, Bleach in a spray bottle, Tactical Pen, Switch Blade or Fixed Blade Knife or High Voltage Taser that is fast and simple to use. These are just a few things of many options a person can use. Always go for eyes, ears, throat and or crotch if a person is attacked. I do what a bear does if you follow them, Turn around and go right back at them and act seriously pissed off. And I do know it does work. And I do know it does work for women as well, I have watched it happen. Humans have to remember there is nothing to fear but fear itself! and fear is an illusion! This bull shit society has instilled way too much fear in people! Just my Jarhead back woods country boy opinion. Take Good Care, Enjoy Life and Be Safe! Later
@@lauratyler4863 Thank You Mam. When I drove semi I carried a flare gun with me that I painted semi gloss black because it is ILLEGAL to carry a firearm in a semi truck. At close range a flare is highly lethal when it hits a human body. From this old U.S. Marine please remember this," IMPROVISE, ADAPT & OVER COME ". I live alone way back in the woods of N.E. Wisconsin and all my guns are loaded ready to rock n roll. Survival for the fittest. Take Good Care and Be Safe! Later, Jeff, { Walks With Bear - Wind Walker }
Easy for you to say,wow! Women are prey,men predators.! If men were stalked,raped,murdered at nearly the same rate, we would'nt be having this convo.The most dangerous place for a woman is actually in her own home,with her spouse.Google,🧐
How about some ammonia in a spray bottle? I do keep wasp spray nearby. I've been carrying layers of protection on me for several years now. Pepper spray, knives, stun gun, and a firearm down here in Pasadena, Texas.
I’ve taken out my phone and pretend to text or call someone if I think someone is following me. It seems to help me. Thanks for your great tips to protect ourselves from the creeps of the world!
This can be both a good and bad idea. You have to assess the situation correctly, yet promptly. In today's atmosphere, pretending to get on the phone can definitely deter a potential threat. On the other hand, it may cause the threat to decide to take action even faster before your "help" is on the way. Some criminals, in fact, would take that chance.
I'm 57 & I take public transportation so I'm always walking around town. I always walk with a purpose not fast , not slow. I keep my peripheral vision is always alert.
Algorithm served this up to me because I was followed at night in a large market in South America. Be aware everyone, it happens when you least expect it.
I have taken pictures of a potential assailant for future police references. It worked in my case to make them stop what they were doing. Im very happy your wife is safe. Thank you for the very informative and much needed education. God bless you and yours!
First of all. Glad your wife is safe. Even with a firearm things can go wrong. I have had that feeling many times in my life, not only the feeling of being followed, but also with someone approaching me on the sidewalk walking the opposite way I am walking. What I instinctively do is just put one of my hands into my jacket pocket as if I am holding onto a weapon. Yes, it is nothing more than a bluff, but to this day I am thankful I have always returned safely to my dwelling places.
@@jakejudson8578 Do you really want someone else to think you are holding a real gun and feel their life is in peril? If they have a real gun on them, you will probably be shot.
Depending oh what your wearing , maybe put your hand in your bag , like you could be pulling anything out. A kobatan or a biro , my mum use to say even a key can be used like that. A security guard was telling me about pressure points that really hurt. Good to know some of these like a karate like chop under the nose. Is he said one of those points.
Never drive to your house, but if you are followed walking into an apartment building and do get inside safely, do not assume it's over. DO NOT turn on any of your lights when you enter your apartment or go near the windows. Creeps have been known to stand outside buildings and watch for the lights to go on or see you draw the curtains to know which floor/apt you are living in. Wait or do whatever you have to do to make sure you are not sending any signals from your windows. Even in the daytime. Remember, he can get inside the building with the next person who unlocks the main door and be at your door in minutes.
I'm always accutely aware of everything and everyone around me, it's so ingrained that it's instinctive. I'm subconsciously observing and threat assessing everyone. Been teaching my kids how to be observant and pay attention to their surroundings, never walk with headphones and their faces stuck in their phones.
if you have sons teach them to ensure females are safe and for them not to get close to them when walking alone. we will call police if men get suspicious
In the city, I was followed often. One day 2 guys followed me in their car, pulled up next to me, the passenger got out and tried dragging me in the car. It was in the middle of a busy intersection in downtown MPLS...nobody actually tried to help because they all had their minds on whatever they were doing. I'm just glad I was taught how to escape when both hands are grabbed by a Guardian Angel (citizen street patrol) the day prior. I learned not to walk too close the the car side of the street. Another tip, the more you try to appear passive/meek/shy and giggle/laugh, the more aggressive and entitled they will get. Be loud! Don't be afraid to walk up to a group of people and pretend you know them to shake people off. They will understand. Oh yeah, I found it was better NOT to make eye contact, because they would usually take that as an invitation to interact with me. NOPE.
Horrifying! Glad you're ok now. I too get followed on the daily. I have several situations that cops needed to be called. You really have to be aware at all times.
As a young mother with a baby and toddler, I was getting them out of my car, and had already set up the stroller. We were in a small town parking lot in an area of old brick shops when a male approached, he came to the side of my car I wasn't on. I quickly got my children situated and he tried to get on the same side of the car I was on. I locked (push button lock-old car) and shut the door and moved away from him to the other side of my car, he followed. I crossed the street quickly and went into a busy store. Getting to the counter, I told the clerk. She sent the security man in the store out and he saw the man of my description get on a city bus that had just arrived. This was in the early 80s, no cell phones. I was shaken, but determined to get my children and myself to safety.
I was at an outdoor mall in Eugene one summer day with my two young daughters. We saw a girl about 13 years old, and a grown man walking about 10 ft behind her. She turned around and faced him and yelled very loudly, "Get away from me! Stop foilowing me!" She yelled that a few times and he turned and walked away fast. There were many other people in the area, all ready to help her. I told my girls, "And that is how that is done."
Oregon? I live outside Eugene. ❤ I've always told my girls make as much noise as you can if someone is following you or grabs you. Most of the time they are looking for someone who will go quietly
I moved recently from Eugene to southern Oregon in a rural place. Good idea with your girls! In martial arts I learned many girls won't scream because we're taught to be quiet, not make a fuss. So role playing helps, doing it with them actually practicing the yelling until it becomes a reaction.
Yes!!!! 🙌🏼
But, there's not always someone else around...🤔
Maybe that man with the 13 year old girl was a sex trafficor You could have called the police
I (as a 23 y/o female) was once at night followed by a guy with a mask. I had nothing on me to defend myself and nowhere to run. I decided to take a chance and act like I had gone completely insane. Making loud roaring noises while rolling my eyes into my head and baring my teeth I turned to approach him like I was going to attack him with my bare hands. The guy stood there frozen for a moment, then ran for it. Man I was lucky 😂
That's what king David in the Bible did once - feigned insanity to scare off the enemy.
I did the same "insane"-act a couple of times when I was attacked in i.e. Barcelona and India in the early 90s. I went ALL IN (haha) and bc of that escaped rape by seconds. I am trained in throat growling (A Norwegian thing) so that helped a lot😀
RABIES 😂
@@leelunk8235 Yes this works. Has done for me three times in 70 odd years. My mother taught me but you have to mean it.
I have often thought I would do exactly that as well! So happy it worked out for you.
If I find myself walking behind a lone female or parent/guardian with a child, I immediately cross to the other side and then walk slightly faster to get ahead of them so it is not apparent that there is any threat. In other cases I have changed my route altogether. I began doing this in my twenties (many years ago!) but over the years I have spoken of this habit and you might be surprised by the number of men who have admitted to same. We are animals and our senses are on heightened alert when alone. Once, walking home loaded down with groceries, a young woman was walking toward me. She looked straight in my eyes and said “Mr. Jackson! I didn’t know you were in this neighbourhood!” My name is not Jackson and it was a signal that she needed an “out” from the two men following her and my situation must have let her know that I was not a threat. I stammered a believable response, the two men disappeared and I was able to walk with her to her bus stop. It was a gamble for her but I am glad to have been there at that moment. I know this is a daily concern for millions out there and I wish everyone peace and thanks for this video.
Thank you. It’s great that there are decent men like you around in this world. Stalking sadly is getting worse for women alone
We can all approach and say things like that, thanx
Thank you for offering that lesson. And as a woman myself, thank you for helping her!!
I really appreciate that there are men who think this way. There is a Ryssian youtuber who convincingly dresses as a woman and shows how women are treated when just walking around a crowded city or beach resort town. He was pleasantly surprised to find out that very very few men harassed him. The ones who approached mostly took no for an answer. This is a starck contrast to the world I remember as a kid. Modern men on the whole think and act far differently now. But it is the remaining dinosaurs that make life dangerous for women. These men tend to have nothing to lose.
Thank you.
My best tip EVER : If you are walking around houses or buildings and someone suspicious walking towards you …ALWAYS wave up and call out past them “HI JOE IM HERE” up to ANY Window dark or lit , it’ll look like someone (a man) is waiting and watching you . The suspicious person will not be able to tell where and who you’re waving to. And they won’t take the chance on you.
Use it! Brilliant!
good points
@deniselasalle9545 perfect. The main objective is to make yourself difficult or confusing any way you can so they decide you aren't worth the risk. They will wait for an easier victim. That's why you can and should do or say anything you want that you think will throw him off whatever plan he has. There are no rules or morals when it comes to self-defense.
Thank you! 😊
Smart thinking
Great idea. Use a definite man's name for best effect. Joe could be Jo (a woman's name). Use Dave, Mike, Jeff, Steve, Paul, something that leaves them in no doubt they are male.
As a young Aussie girl in the 70’s aged about 10 I was doing my local paper round job when a man driving a car tried to block me in a driveway. I pushed through the bushes blocking the way before he had time to get out of the car and ran to the next house screaming to let me in. Thank goodness someone was home. They called my parents, put my bike in their boot and drove me home. First time I ever had a ride in a Mercedes. 😂
Oh, and I never did the paper-round again. 👍🏻
Good!
That sounds terrifying. I'm so glad you got help.
THANK GOD YOU ARE OK 💜🙏💜
🙏
I was followed by a guy through the centre of London the other month - very busy and at first I thought I was being paranoid but I was not. I crossed the road, I went into a shop and he came in the shop and walked right passed me staring at me. I left the shop - I was freaked out. Now it’s London, it was busy but I was still worried. Next thing, he’s walking at the side of me matching my pace and kept looking g over at me. So at this point I was getting angry. I pulled my phone out and slowed right down it kind of forced him to continue because he would have made it obvious he was following. Then when he was ahead, he looked back a couple of times and I had decided to completely stop outside a shop I know. He then went into another shop just ahead of me - at this point I shot passed and was ready to FaceTime my boyfriend who lived nearby if he came out. But luckily I didn’t see him again.
A body guard who had been a Police Officer told me when someone acts crazy then you act even crazier back. Nobody wants to follow a crazy loud person… trust me.
Speaking from decades of experience using this tactic, I can verify.
It's effective and efficient.
@@elisadelaurenti2516 I've seen it work.
@@elisadelaurenti2516 I was once told if someone is attacking you, "shout fire, fire!" and people will come running but if you shout "help" everyone will ignore you...
@kitchenworker446 btw..... Who is "Kitty Genovese"?
It's referred to as "The bystander effect".
@@elisadelaurenti2516 She was a woman stabbed to death while many looked on and did nothing to help her.
Heart wrenching news it is to hear of a young woman who went jogging alone on a jogging path through the woods. It’s lovely, I’m sure. Tragically, deadly too. Thank you for the reminder of how to handle this. Especially the eye contact thing. I would have thought total ignoring was best, but I see the sense of staring at him, however briefly, to let him know that you know he has nothing good on his mind, and you’re not having it. True story: A friend worked overtime in a large, multistory city building. She took the elevator to the parking garage. As the doors opened, a gut level feeling rushed over her. She quickly pushed the button for the first floor. To the night security guard there she said “I know you’re going to think I’m just being silly, but would you walk me to my car? I had a bad feeling when I tried to go.” He did so, as she apologized for bothering him several times. The next day he told her “After you left, I thought I should check it out. On one of the levels I heard a noise and then saw him in the distance. I shouted to him and he ran. I didn’t catch him, but from now on I’ll check the garage floors and not just assume everyone’s gone home. And you call and let me know when you’re working late.” How many women are dead because they “didn’t want to bother someone.” Do more videos like this, please.
Great comment. “How many women are dead because they didn’t want to bother someone?”
@@pcfrivera6023or, how many women are dead because of men
@@Lomie32well the security guard was a man!
Virtually every man will be willing to provide a woman with some measure of protection if she's feeling threatened. As long as we're not victimizers ourselves, and most of us are not. Listen to your gut. We won't think you're being silly, and we won't consider your request to be an inconvenience. You are not bothering us.
Thank you, better safe than sorry
I was driving a city delivery route and stopped at a convenience store. My doors we're locked and I sat there organizing before I went in to get something. I glanced up and saw a guy standing at the right corner of the building. I continued what I was doing but immediately knew something was wrong. I glanced back up and he turned to the darkened left corner of the building, gave one head shake to a guy there. They both looked at me sitting in my car, I put it in reverse and left. I believe I was going to be robbed or car jacked. Mom taught me to always be aware of my situation.
If we walk out to our car, or are driving in a lot, we really watch the loiterers, we avoid them if possible. We make sure we change course if they’re hanging too close to our car..or wait til a group comes out with you..
Put it in reverse, Terry!
@@TR-nv3ifthank you Jesus!
Always, look around very good before exiting your vehicle l e or home/ business. Too many predator's ...these days!
I'm extra-aware when I'm returning to my parked car, or when I'm in a gas station. If I'm at a gas station and it's nighttime, I try to choose a pump close to the convenience store. When I'm filling the tank, my doors are all locked, and if I'm carrying a purse, it's out of sight under the front seat. When I lock the doors, I do it manually instead of using the key fob. That way, when I'm getting in afterward I open the driver's door with the key, which allows all the other doors to remain locked. (Using the fob would unlock all the doors, and someone could jump in). While I'm pumping the gas, rather than looking at my phone or watching the commercial playing on the pump, I remain aware and observe everyone around me. I lock my doors the same way in parking lots. Especially during the holidays, there are sometimes people walking around the lot scoping out cars and likely up to no good. This includes people who are walking around "selling fruit." I won't go near my car if someone like that is nearby. If they remain near my car, I would go back to the store and ask for an escort. I actually did this one time at a fast food restaurant in Arizona. My truck was parked fairly close to the door and I could clearly see it, but some people that had obviously been asking for handouts in the lot were standing around my truck and not leaving. That made me uneasy, so I asked one of the fast food workers if they could walk me to my truck, which they gladly did. As soon as we came out together, the beggars walked away.
I was in this situation. I was walking on the sidewalk. It was a warm fall day...I could hear the crunch of the fall leaves. It was a very quiet residential area. There was no other people visible for me to join. No traffic. In panic & fear, I turned to the next house I came to, and just walked up to the door and rang the bell! Door was open, it had a screen door to let the fresh air in, it was locked from the inside. I called out 'Dad' really loud. 'Dad, the screen is locked'. I heard footsteps running away fast.
Very clever! 👍
Another tip: Have your keys ready to get into your car. Get into your car quickly and lock the door immediately. AFTER your doors are locked, THEN settle in: put on your seatbelt, get your sunglasses on, credit card out to pay the lot, etc. I once attended a seminar by a woman who worked in the same building I did and who parked in the same parking ramp that I did. She shared that she had gotten into her car but did NOT lock the door, and started getting herself organized. A guy opened her door and dragged her out. She fought him tooth & nail, and thankfully prevented being raped. She DID have to go to the hospital. Since her seminar, EVERY time I get in my car, I lock it immediately - day or night.
I knew a woman who told us she never locks her car door around men because she doesn't want to hurt their feelings. As though any man will die from hurt feelings.
@ Women need to just get over ‘hurting’ men. They hurt us every day and don’t think anything of it, or worse, laugh about it.
same! i set up my keyless entry system to only open the driver's door so that i only have to worry about locking one door
@@aprilzcornerSubaru’s fob do that…you have to press longer to open all 4, even a different button for the hatch back. Also re-lock before you go to push your shopping cart to the cart pen. You Cannot be too careful.
Always lock it at gas stations, too, because they could open the opposite door and grab your purse
NEVER let anyone walk too close to you. KEEP DISTANCE IS THE KEY!!!
Often muggers will come up and ask an innocuous question before mugging you.
If you're in a densely populated area this could be impossible, for me I live in suburbia so I can key in on somebody acting suspicious or whatever. (Phoenix AZ).
Situational awareness is the first thing…so many people have no clue what is going on around them.
@@americafirst9144 A ploy so common that both criminologists and convicts have coined a term for it. The first calls it an "interview" and the second, a "feel-out". It allows them into control range under the guise of normalcy, occupies your thoughts and hands at the moment of attack, and tests your submission and surrender to further escalated demands...
@@americafirst9144like asking for the time when we all mostly have mobile phones.
What I love about UA-cam is the comment section. So many people sharing their experiences allows the story of this video to extend beyond the author could tell. It’s given me so many more ideas and examples of what to do if in this scenario. Thanks to all who have shared and know that your voices are heard ❤
yes, alot to be learned / used from the COMMENTS !! 👍
same...💛 comment sections are the best - it shows each one of us that we all are humanity , well all are into this together
if i'm not sure whether i want to watch a youtube video or not, i read some comments first. they are truly a measure i go by before deciding.
My sentiments, EXACTLY!
Powerful info! 🙂
Same
Trust that feeling ladies, it is a God given gift. Stay safe out there.
I was followed once and didn’t know it. I wasn’t alone either, but was shopping with my parents and my brother. I noticed my brother kinda falling behind and walking behind me a ways. Then I eventually asked my brother why he was doing that and he told me there was a guy watching me and started following me. Thanks to my brother getting in between him and me, that was enough to keep him away. I’m so thankful for my brother.
Jeez luckily he didn't snatch your brother! I'm grateful that your brother was there to watch out for you and take action ❤️
@@valeriew4833 I am too! Boy, I didn’t even think of that, that he could have been snatched. We were already adults, so he’d be a bit too big to snatch.
I am in the UK and I arrived near my university for an open day - I was a mature student helping to show potential new students around. It was 9am on a Sunday morning, and a man started following me. No-one was around , so I started swinging my arms and walking with purpose, he carried on following me. I turned around to face him , staring at him , looking him right in the eye, and said in a low rough cold voice - ' can I help you?' He turn round and started walking the other way again... job done! I am a 5 foot 1 inch tall female , but he wasn't going to intimidate me...
brilliant. My friend was followed by a male in London. I hope you reported this to police and on street safe
Never underestimate short people, we are the Chihuahuas of the Human world.
YES!
Just a funny quick story! Back in the 70’s I was in my mid twenties. I had long hair a little past my shoulders. I was followed home after leaving a bar with friends one night. I was armed and knew I was being followed. I pulled up in front of my home. The guy following me pulled up right behind me. When I got out & he saw my facial hair, he pulled away rather quickly. Guess I wasn’t his type! 😂
🤣
🤣🤣🤣
😂😂🙌🏻👍🏻
L.o.l.
Yeah, being a man helps mooooore than anyone can imagine.
I (female) always used to walk everywhere, even a bit too late in the evenings as a young (typically naive) woman. I found myself w/o a ride home one night from a party, so I walked through the nice n'hoods alone. A man stepped out from the hedges exposing himself. "Hah!", I said & kept on striding (I always did know the importance of confident posture, at least).
He didn't follow me, TG, & I found a big sturdy stick to carry. But then I came upon a young couple who (bored & mean) started mocking me, "Ooh, look at her carrying a weapon... " etc.
I was just a teen but thought "to hell with you". I kept the stick, ignored their taunts & got home safely.
Women tend to weaken &/or care too much what others may think.
If you aren't confident, at least Fake It Till You Make It!
Abraham Lincoln is quoted as having said: Walk softly, and carry a big stick.
Don't lead with your face is the softly part. If a "mountain of a man" thought a stick was good... it's good enough for me. Lincoln is respected as a great leader for many reasons.
I am not American, and I think he was an excellent role model.
People in times past often carried a stick/ cane and knew how to use it. Any chemical in a spray bottle/ can you can weild. Hat pins, long ones with a decorative end are excellent. Hard to disarm you and whether you hit the hand or the groin that person WILL feel it. Give yourself time to get clear.
I totally agree with you that the last thing one should do is to show fear or run. The men who follow (usually) women, are weak and get a thrill out of the hunt if the women turns into 'prey' behaviour. I was followed by such a person in Britain on my way home late at night. I crossed the road and then back to be sure that the person was following. Then I turned around and faced him. I asked 'Are you following me?' He then looked down and shuffled his feet before saying 'Yes!' defiantly. I then saw red and launched into a speech starting with 'WHAT RIGHT do you have to follow me at night etc etc etc. Finally, he said 'Look lady, you go this way and I'll go that'. The second time was in Italy where I was followed by a gang of young men - late teens. I used the same technique with the head of the gang. In this situation he did not want to lose face in front of his 'friends' and started to take a step towards me. I instinctively knew that if he moved, so would the others follow. I immediately took a leap forward towards him, crouched and took up a martial arts stance with my hands ready to attack and made a loud warcry. I did not have any idea of a follow up and was relying on the fact that they didn't know that! I had merely copied what I had seen in films! Luckily, they didn't want to risk it and all turned around and went looking for easier prey. This is not rocket science if you use your brain - if you run you'll defenitely lose and be attacked, in my opinion.
When I was a college student I had to walk home from my job on campus very late at night. I used to carry a very large pair of pointed scissors at the ready.
And maybe lets not embrace the naive lable, Why do we have to be naive for just wanting to have the freedom to exist outside without being terrified of men?
I’m from NYC. My husband taught me to turn around without breaking stride, look the person up and down and turn back around and continue walking. I had to do this twice. It was terrifying, but it works. People with bad intentions do not want to be identified. Great video, cheers everyone!
I have instinctively done that..looked them straight in the eye and said "Is there something I can help you with?" in a commanding tone. Knocks them off guard and puts you in charge. But even before that, keeping distance is KEY.
I think it's eye contact because you can't identify them if you're unalive. I was in a situation where my life was in danger, and I was about to look down, and a voice said, "Look him straight in the eyes. It worked his demeanor change, and he left. They are looking for you to be weak and scared. I think that's what men get off on. I was scared but I did my best not to show it.
Don't walk past parked vans at night
Also during the day
In New Jersey, that would be almost impossible
Almost every Dateline starts with a white panel van....
It happened to me one night. Coming back from a dinner at a friend, 30 min walk from my house, on top of the Avenue. At one point, there is no light and the area is pretty isolated, only a retirement house hidden in a large wooden area. I was walking slowly up the hill and from the wood a van started to follow me. I looked and the windows were dark. I continued up, and it was driving very slowly, following me. I had all alarms and red flags ringing, and a bad gut feeling, and was so scared. I assessed the situation: absolutely no one in the street by night, a very desolated point. But feet away a bus stop with light. I hurried there and started to study the schedule. Meanwhile, the van had stopped two feet away and was waiting. My heart was banging in my chest. Miraculously, a young guy appeared to the bus stop and waited with me. The bus arrived minutes later and we both went up and left. I was scared that the van would follow us and catch up when I was going to get out, but it did not. It was a very scary experience….
@@odilegabayengel4192 Wow! I'm sorry to hear that. I'm glad that guy was there to help you! God was with you! :)
I was once followed in a quiet shopping center, by two men.
The moment I walked out of the Bank, I saw them watching me as I was walking in their direction. As I turned around one of the corners in the shopping center, I could feel that they were following me.
What happened next was an absolute miracle from God.
As I was walking, I heard Holy Spirit commanded me to "Turn around!!!" I knew if was to give another step, then they would grab me. So, immediately I turned around and they were right behind me and I walked right in between them. They could've easily grabbed me, but it was such a swift move, that I caught them by surprise.
I then turned around again to see what they were doing and saw the two men had split up in different directions. I quickly went into the nearest shop and stayed there until I felt it was safe to get to my car.
All glory to God!
It'd be a lot easier if a kinder god didn't create feelings like that in people. My sister was Christian and attacked by 2 men as a teen and still has scars. All those poor kids attacked by priests. Hmmm I guess god just prefers you and let's the rest suffer. Lucky you.
Glory to God!!!! Im sure your Guardian Angel helped too.❤❤❤
Should have then had the shop call Mall security and gotten these guys removed before they target someone else.
@@charcushman9507 He did, His name is Jesus.
My husband and I had a similar situation. We were in a mall with a sky walk and he wanted to go that way to get back to our car. But I had a weird feeling, looked behind us and saw 2 men following us, coming right up behind us, just inches away. So I turned on a dime and pretended to be looking in a jewelry store so I could assess the situation and inform my husband of my suspicion. I had seen these two men looking at us when my husband was getting us coffee at the other end of the mall, they looked very sketchy. I had a new iPhone we had picked up and we were there to trade in the one broken phone. I think there were 3 men working together because one homeless man was sitting outside of the Apple Store, that's how I assume they targeted us. It was around Christmas time and there were Christmas trees obscuring an open space as you entered this sky walk. After we stopped I could see them waiting for us there - one through the window and the other behind the trees. They both looked frustrated and perplexed, but were clearly hoping they could jump us when we continued on. So I discretely told my husband we needed to turn and go another way. I was not walking into that sky walk! I showed him, look, they're waiting for us. However, he lacks situational awareness sometimes and didn't really catch on to what I was saying. So I turned and went the opposite direction. As we were walking that way one of the men started running in our direction on the other side of the mall. I knew about an exit through a store to the street which was crowded with people. So we stopped in a store on the way, did some twists and turns to ditch them both and went out the store to the street then safely to our car. I knew they were up to no good and calling the police was useless because we had left the scene. Apparently the area has issues with criminals attacking and robbing shoppers. Some people had been stabbed and one had died recently. Situational awareness is extremely important.
67 female now but at 15 yrs old I was walking to my grandma's 2.5 blocks up the street. She called at around 9 p.m. wasnt feeling well so I told her I would come spend the night and leave mom a message at work knowing she would stop and check on us when she got off at 11 p.m. I had one block to go and was nervous as the same car drove by 3 times. Gut told me hide. There was a house 3 doors away that was empty. I ran into a backyard and crossed 2 yards to get to that home. Luckiest day of my life, door was not locked. I ran in, locked the door, cried so hard. After about 15 minutes no longer heard any car, looked out windows on all sides of home that had windows and hit the street running, 3 doors to grandmas. Made it but since that day I never walk alone especially at night. Never know where the creeps are.
I could feel your terror. Thank God you're safe!!!
You probably saved your life.
@eileeneamon9070 it's such a crazy world out there. I would be afraid to live in the US. I'm female, short, thin, not driving, I walk a lot. Everytime I hear or read stories like this, I almost paralyze, I feel what the target (don't wanna say victim) feels.
God protected you and gave you intuition, not luck.
Bahahahahahaha! It was me that night! I’m now 87! Na,sorry love,it not funny& glad you alive to post story.Im not from the States but from NZ& read so many horror stories of crime of all sorts in America!
When I was definitely followed as a teenager by grown up man. I crossed the street and all but he was really following me, i turn towards nearest bigger shop. They were selling clothes. I quickly mingled between people, grabbed 2 hoodies from nearest rail and disappeared into fitting room. from there I could see him, looking for me as I watched him. When he was far from my place a went out and got safely on the bus. I am so happy that I had this reaction!!
I've done the same thing and told a saleswoman that someone was following me. They were very helpful.
@@laurat7932 It's great when we find help. I'm glad you got to the safety.
A million years ago...back in the 80s my friend and I worked for the same gas station company. I worked at the west side store, Bill worked at the eastside right on the interstate. He was shot in the head and killed at work in a robbery, guess that was 1982.
Two years later, I was filling in at that exact station.
At closing time, midnight, a monte carlo pulled up slowly, sat for a few minutes near the farthest pump, then slowly drove off. It did this 3 times. The last time, I let them see the revolver I had. They drove off for good. I quit soon after
How did you let them see the revolver after you were inside far from them? Did you get put of the building?
:( glad you ok, sorry about your friend.
So sorry about your friend. I used to love those Monte Carlo’s in the 1980’s.
I am sorry about your friend. This world can really be wicked!
I am a 65 yo woman and i swear my head is always on a swivel. I got my eye on you😂 thanks for sharing 😊
very well said. I think as we get much older we get more vulnerable ie easy targets for crims. we need to be alert. I also carry a body camera with me.
I love to hike. Iwas hiking with my young 1 1/2 year old Rottie was with me. I felt like I was being watched on the trail, she was getting skittish. She kept looking behind us. I listened to her, we took a path that took us back, another way. We got in the car,locked the doors and left. It was a State park, though I never saw anyone, I am to this day sure we were being followed. She was a young Rottweiler, but still a protective. Years later, same park, but older male Rottweiler, well trained. We were stopped on a path, stood aside on the trail while 2 men passed. My dog sat in front of me with a low growl, he alerted them that he was watching. They moved on and didn't bother me. Dogs are great in this situation.
I wonder if my Dachshund would help?
@@TwistedQuestionMark 😆😅🤣
Agree! I go on walks with my bullmastiff. He doesn’t have the low growl with people but gets me crossed me off the easy-target list. 😅
Years ago, the same thing happened to me when I was hiking with my dog. In our case I'm pretty sure we were being watched by a mountain lion. My dog was a retired guard dog and was not shy, but he just acted "different" that time. Maybe it was a young one, or maybe it just wasn't hungry, because we were able to get out of there. We never hiked in that area again.
@@TwistedQuestionMark Yes, actually it would. All that yapping and looking back and restless behaviour will draw attention and the person who follows you. Dachshunds usually have the bark of a bigger dog and that may surprise whoever is following you. Also your dachshund will realize someone has ill intent and following you before you do. Remember the potent poison comes in small bottles.That's the real answer but yea it's funny too, I get it.🐕💞
My older brother shared a story with me that back in the 1990s he and my sister-in-law were vacationing in North Carolina and walking down a street (I want to say the city of Raleigh) one evening heading to a restaurant. My brother noticed an unsavory character began to follow them at a short distance. So, my brother and sister-in-law crossed the street, and this stranger did the same. To test it more, they hooked a right and left, but the guy stayed on their heels. Then my brother verified his gut feeling and tried one last thing. So, they started walking faster, and so did the guy. So, my brother told her to keep walking, and my brother spun around after a hard stop and told the guy he was onto his game. This freaked this guy out, and he quickly scampered away into the darkness. My brother didn't have any tools on him, but his keen awareness and confrontational attitude prevented an event from unfolding. Maybe he just got lucky, I don’t know because this dirtbag may have had a weapon on him.
I accidentally did this once but its because I was lost, it was dark out, I thought they knew the way out, and also didnt want to be left behind and alone 😅
I could be wrong, but I feel that acknowledging a person that you’re aware of them (w/o escalating) works 99% of the time. So many people think “If I just ignore them they’ll go away, “ but that can make you more vulnerable in their eyes. Just my two cents.
Utilize the fear, transmute it into an energy which you can then give back to whoever is scoping you out. Then have No fear! (It's an illusion..,~)
Well, even if that's what my instinct would tell me to do also, I read that it's a bad idea because once the stalker knows you've seen their face, they'll want to disable you even more, because you could report him.
I'd rather go into a crowded place, find a police man, call a friend, get a cab etc. I don't think I would confront a stalker alone. I'm a female and quite small, it wouldn't end up well if we were all alone.
I think he took a calculated risk and got lucky.
Excellent advice. As a young lawyer, I worked very late nights in a very urban setting and parked in a multi-level parking garage. I walked standing tall to maximize my confident body language. I, too, on more than one occasion crossed the street. Like your wife, once the man crossed the street after me. I greeted a business man (not the perp) like I knew him and joined him as he walked toward me. He understood immediately and played along. Whenever possible, I tried to get someone from the firm to walk with me (most of us parked in the same structure which was 2 blocks from our building). I carried a Kubaton in my hand, as this was before pepper spray was readily available. I, too, stopped and turned around and made eye contact and once said "Back off" in a very loud voice. I think that not appearing to be weak or an easy target probably saved me more than once, as well as seeking safety in numbers. Excellent advice and thank you for this video.
Linda this is simply invaluable advice, thanks for sharing!😊
Yes I learned this as a child walking around seedy neighborhoods. Look alert, walk tall, carry a weapon and appear confrontational
A few years back I watched an interview with a female FBI agent talking about this topic. She said people are raised to be congenial/Polite and agreeable to strangers out in the world. She said because of this fact people often ignore their uneasy gut feelings and wind up being victimized or worse - killed.
She said if you are getting a weird vibe, don’t hesitate to make a scene because at the end of the day you don’t know this person who is making you uncomfortable. Better to be alive than dead.
With that said her advice took me back many many years ago when I was living in Boise Idaho. I met up with friends downtown. I’m not a drinker and I was driving and alone. I had to park a bit a ways away from our meetup. On my way to my car at 1am I was walking on the left side of the street sidewalk. I looked over and this guy was on the opposite sidewalk getting ready to cross over slightly ahead if me. As soon as I saw him veer off the sidewalk I yelled over “Don’t even think about it, don’t come over here!” I said it a couple times. He stopped in his tracks and got back on his side. Funny thing is it was more of a knee jerk reaction on my part or projectile vomiting. There was no stopping me from yelling at this guy.
Always, always listen to that small voice.
Exactly on point. I can attest I have done the same as you mentioned. A few times I have turned around and yelled, crossed the street and maintain posture and brisk walk. I will often have a key between the fist to strike a blow if necessary. Vigilance and how you carry yourself make a difference.
@@Supportfreespeech That is really awesome advice. And yes, we are taught to be 'nice' to people and see the best in them. The truth is that screaming at someone who might be a threat, and is a stranger, has absolutely no down side. For others who are interested in why you should trust that little alarm in your head, read the book "The Gift of Fear, Survival Signs that Protect us from Violence." It is written by Gavin de Becker and there are lots of cheap, used copies out there. It is one of the best books I've ever read and a must read for women. You also cannot put it down!
Excellent advice, Daniel.
I’d like to add that people also shouldn’t distract themselves with texting or listening to music while walking or even when stationary, such as waiting for a bus. Besides decreasing situational awareness, these activities can actually attract criminals in the first place because they signal that you’re distracted and hence easier to sneak up on.
I shop in a sketchy commercial area always at 6am. I carry a bogus "shopping list". When ever I fell someone staring at me, with ill intent, for no good reason, I break psychic contact, by looking down at my list. It has served me well, until now...Of course, when looking down, my radar is on high alert.
Not being on your phone should be number one for situational awareness. Don't be distracted!
Totally agreed best advice. People are more being or robb when you're not paying attention to your surrounding.
Also, someone on a bike could easily steal your phone out your hand and ride off, even if they don't mean to harm you otherwise.
your voice is beyond powerful. was taught in self-defense to scream "fire!" because everyone responds to that. 💯💜☝️ ty!
Yes!!!!! I was taught this. Always shout 🔥.
I always carry a whistle on my car keys. Most often when screaming out 'fire' or similar words, it can be seen as a joke. A whistle is piercing and makes everyone turn around.
I was walking to a friends house from the subway in south philly and ended up behind a local teen, and I'll never forget - he just casually turned around to check who was coming up behind him. As a suburban white chick in my 20s at the time, I had still had this feeling of "maybe it's rude if I turn around to look at someone," but when this kid did it in his own neighborhood I realized there is nothing rude about being safe. I do it no matter where I am and never feel bad about it.
Also, here’s a nice thing that people can do to help each other feel safe, when my husband goes walking in the neighborhood and he sees a person approaching or especially if he ends up behind a woman, he crosses to the opposite side of the street. My son in law (who IS the brute squad LOL) does the same, these are guys who have listened to our stories and have taken us seriously, and yeah, my husband was followed so he knows how it feels.
Bless him!
isn't that nice, it is so nice when men cross the street when they see a woman. I have never seen men do that to me, they seem to be totally ununaware that women get scared if a man runs from behind them or gets too close. My bf was followed by a man from the toilets
I just taught a young man the same and to not speed up.
@@annelbeab8124 that’s excellent!
I'm an older 5 foot tall woman, living in Australia.
Late one night, I got off a train.
Walking home in the dark, I heard footsteps behind me, getting closer and closer, then a man's voice say "Don't be afraid. I'm just going to pass you" and I saw the figure of a tall young man with his long legs, walk past me.
Even though I wasn't afraid, I was very touched by how considerate and respectful he was, knowing that there are a lot of good men/ people in this world.
I did something similar. I was in a different country, a busy place actually. But no matter where I went, I would notice a guy walking a little ways behind me to the point I knew without doubt he was following me. I became very worried and immediately saw a group of guys, so I went up to them and asked -can you act like you know me? I’m being followed! They kindly did, greeting me warmly, a group of lovely Israelis on holiday in Prague, and we all went to a cafe and sat for a while. When we left he was gone for good and at that point I felt safe to head back to my hotel. It’s not always a deserted area, as a single woman it can be very alarming even in a busy strange place.
I love Prague, but when I visit I am very cautious. It is dangerous. Eastern Europe is not for the weak of mind and heart. Many women vanish in these areas. I stay in the best hotel in the central of the city and I never stay in auberges. In those places, I had always the worst feelings. You did the right thing. Hope you go back there, you don't experience this bad experience again. Happy New Year!
@ It rattled me so much I changed my flight and left the next day! Yes I felt like he might bundle me into a car given the opportunity! So no I won’t be back but it really was a spectacular, but creepy place to be alone. Happy New Year!
Israelis are used to looking out for each other and will do the same for others who ask them to.
If I have to walk down a quiet street with no traffic I always walk in the middle of the road, never the edges. I think this saved me once as some creeps are afraid of open spaces. Hiding is great as well
I always carry a big keychain in my hand, when i am walking a quiet street, make noise with them.
Stay away from places that smell bad
very goodadvice
Walking in the middle of the street let's you see everything
Back in the late 80’s, I was a sophomore in college, and very dumb and naive. My then roommate and I decided to take a study break, during an all-nighter, at 2am to go for a walk around our off campus housing neighborhood. I still remember the man. He wore a brown leather jacket and white pants with longish brown hair. At first, I thought he was also just taking an early morning stroll but after a few zig zag paths around the neighborhood, it was clear he was following us. We were so frightened and saw an apartment complex with a wide stairway leading up to a brightly lit area in front of the complex. The complex had an open atrium but had metal bars and doors for security. We stood there not knowing what to do. My roommate started nervously whistling as the man started up the stairs. All of a sudden a voice in the darkness of the atrium said “what is all this whistling noise”! The man scrambled down and ran off as soon as he heard the voice. It turned out the land lady lived on the first floor of the complex near the atrium, and heard the whistle echo in the atrium while she was going to the bathroom. She invited us into her unit and let us call our other roommate to pick us up. I truly think God was watching out for us! Since then, I never take safety for granted.
He sure was . Amen❤
god shows up in many different ways.
The first time I felt I was being followed was late at night, I ducked into a pub, explained the situation, the police were called, and they gave me a lift home.
The second time was in the afternoon. I saw the guy a few times in the supermarket, I noticed he came out after me without purchasing anything, he got on the same bus, and got off at the same stop. When I crossed the road, he did too. The whole time, his focus seemed to be on me, and I don’t want this guy knowing where I live.
Thankfully, I knew my neighbour, Pete, fairly well, knew he was likely to be home, and had his number (my first mobile phone... yes, I'm that old!), so I phoned him, but continued to walk. I figured I was safer if the guy following didn't realise I'd rumbled him because there's not many houses, only fields across the road, and far too many places I could be dragged to out of sight. So, when Pete answered, I said I'd just got off the bus, so he knew where I was, I've got X beer ("I think you have the wrong number") they only had the large pack ("you in trouble?) yes, it's really heavy, could you come help carry it? ("Stay on phone, keep talking.")... How he managed to get out, down the side road and around the corner into view so quickly I don't know, but I'm very grateful he did! He said that when he came into view, the guy following stopped, looked around, and then ran off down a side track.
Great information. I was followed at a park and changed directions and he was still following me. I tried to act calm and eventually someone was walking by with a dog. I went over like I knew them and asked to pet the dog. I won’t walk at the park anymore unless there are more people around.
Was it during the day?
I'm a woman, I used to walk on a hiking trail in Eugene Oregon. It was woodsy with trees and bushes on either side. I'd see one or two other people if I walked the whole mile but I was usually alone. I looked behind me often. I have CCP. If a man was walking towards me I passed on the far side of the dirt road. With my hand near my gun. It felt dangerous enough that I stopped walking there. A few weeks later I read that a woman was attacked on that very section of trail i used to walk.
I hope all men are teaching this to the their daughters.
Men and women should be teaching all children this. I learned karate from age 16 so it became automated when I was attacked from behind and I floored 2 guys in separate incidents on autopilot.
It’s more likely that moms are teaching daughters. Most men have no idea how many perilous situations women have experienced.
...And teaching their sons not to become those creeps.
My dad taught me self defense at 12...strike at their neck and sides of their heads quickly, then, while they're stunned, RUN!
@@JayeMallard619 Yes 100%
Thanks. Situational awareness solves a lot of problems.
Amen.🤨
Bingo. Situational awareness is the one thing that would have changed 99% of peoples encounters. You’d be surprised how many people have NO situational awareness at all.
I've been followed twice. Both in my 20's before mobile phones, I managed to go into a shop & shouted really loud, pointed at him " that man is following me, call the police!" He ran! In the UK we don't have weapons. After that I learned my lesson. I always have a small can of hairspray in my coat pocket & carry a long umbrella 🌂. 2nd time it went on too long, did the eye contact & crossing the road, he followed me from town centre shopping & I was only 500m from my car. I had no choice but to turn around & confront him, stood strong, authoritative voice! Spray in hand pointing at his eyes, umbrella pointed at his neck & giving me distance. Told him "I'm ex army do you really want to continue this, you'll end up in A&E (ER), turn around & walk away!" His reply "f*ck, sh*t, alright I'm going!" I was shaking afterwards, I'm not ex army, total B/S.😅 However, I noted his features & what he was wearing & reported him to the police when I got home!
if it's life or death / kidnapping / robbing / car-jacking / rape / gangs of thugs / weirdos .... going to do YOUUU "Harm" ... you Neeed "Somethingggg" that Willl Stoppp them !!
just Remember this (and Tell those that you "Care" about,
... "It's better to be Judged by 12 - than Carried by 6 !!"
.... Life vs Death !
- ... i choose Life, every time !!
hope you have a "Safe" and Happy New Year !! 👍🎉🎇🎊🎆 🙏
Good thinking!!
Same in Australia, no weapons, but we can make our own like your hair spray. Always carry something that can disable a person's eye sight, hold car keys in your hand with the point of the key between your fingers securely, wear large rings that can tear at skin. I've been followed several times, both in the city and isolated country areas. Each time I got out of the situation without the need for a true weapon.🇦🇺
I was followed once while taking out the garbage at a Mall I worked at in Phoenix, Az. I was in my twenties back then. I went through an employee entrance that led to the dumpsters in the back of the mall. I didn't know at the time that someone had been watching or following me. I just remember when I was throwing away stuff I got a creepy crawly sense and turned back a few feet to see why and a white man who looked to be in his 30's-40's, in blue jeans, a long sleeved shirt and Winter type vest with dark sunglasses on, and a beard, was leaning against the back entrance doors where I had just come from...and he wasn't an employee.
The hallway where the stranger was blocking the entrance back, is long and secluded and he had just came out of it. He must have figured I had to go back that way. He was leaning against and guarding the doors that lead back into the mall while staring at me with a grin as I was throwing trash away. But he didn't know there was also another employee exit that was right behind me just inches where I stood.
I knew the whole Mall as I worked at two stores in it. I noticed there was a security guard parked close to the area talking to some customers and the man kept glancing back and forth between the guard waiting to get back in his vehicle and drive away and also me. Then I noticed that parked next to the dumpster, like it was a truck making a deliver, was a huge Diesel truck, very nice, with one of those sleepers in the back, it also had a back too like it was hauling goods.
The man kept looking at that too. The truck was parked so close to the dumpsters. That's when I turned around and opened the door behind me and ran to the other store exit where I also worked and went into a back entrance that led into a very populated food court area. The man was far enough away from where I stood that he could not reach me fast enough while the security guard was in the area as well, even if busy and far away, mall security was still screaming distance away.
I don't know what that stranger was up to, but it made my skin crawl that day I was throwing trash away. I just felt like something was watching me and sure enough someone was. He had no business being in the employee hallways, and the way he stood there with arrogance blocking my way back in...that was especially creepy. Never ignore your God given instincts.
People give off energy that we can pick up on. Sometimes I'm just being paranoid a lot of times. How can we live in fear?
@@corinneyaworski-mh9uc I forgot to add that when I walked through the back way into the food court from the employee hallway, I was at the other end of the food court and away from the customer entrance, that is when I saw the man walking ahead of the food court looking around from the customer entrance, so as soon as I took off from the dumpster he must have walked through the dumpster area. Why go back into the mall?, why was he around that area to begin with?
Who ever he was, he was using the wrong hallways to get through the mall, he wasn't an employee. The mall is like a small city withing itself, everyone knows everyone, even who the guys are who deliver goods. This guy was creepy. I never saw him after that day, I believe he was a traveling trucker and he must have been walking around when he saw me going through the secluded employee hallways and followed me without me knowing at that time.
I didn't even go back to the original store I came from, I went to the other store I worked at and told everyone what happened. I was being extra safe so the guy didn't know where I originally came from. I watched him from behind as he walked through the mall and then left, he didn't know I was behind him at that point. It is like being followed when you are driving home, if that happens, never take them to where you live, drive to a police station or busy area and call the cops
Exactly. Trust your gut. Glad your plan worked.
My father taught me how to walk the street in Manhattan in the eighties. Walk fast, no eye contact, OR eye contact that is NOT friendly. Once at the port authority, he did have to get physical. Nothing like a father protecting his son. I learned a lot that day, I can still visualize it
It's even worse these days.
he needed to call the police
My mom grew up in kc mo, she said the same thing..don’t make eye contact, but be aware and don’t go off alone where no one else is ( alley shortcuts, off beaten path
As a teenager in the 70s, I was sitting on the front steps of my building at 1 AM waiting for a friend, when I saw a car drive by. A few minutes later, I recognized the same car drive by again. At that point my gut put me on alert. Across the street I noticed I could see the reflection of his tail lights in some windows. I watched to see if he would drive away. Instead, I saw his brake lights come on, so I knew he was coming for me. I bolted into the front foyer and was halfway up the stairs behind the inner locked door when a man ran into the foyer with his pants open.
I never forgot how I escaped a close encounter by watching his reflection in some windows. Keep your eyes open and use everything at your disposal to know what’s going on around you. And yes, I never sat outside alone late at night again!
@ omg, you escaped by a second..Good for you and curses on that guy!
LISTEN TO YOUR GUT!!!! DO NOT WORRY ABOUT BEING PARANOID!!! IS BETTER TO BE PROACTIVE THAN FIND OUT YOU WERE WRONG IN YOUR ASSESSMENT OF THE SITUATION.
"Just because you're paranoid don't mean they're not after you. "
You cannot turn a decent man into a rapist by being 'rude' .... and no decent man would mind you keeping yourself safer
Your gut instinct never lies to you. It's God's protection.
@@Daniela-Christianson Amen!
@@theripper1705 💯💯💯🙌🏻
Wish more people would think this way.
Happened to me years ago on a main, but quiet street. I noted an open door at a local museum; went in the back door, essentially. I knew the curator was a good person. Told him my situation; he was great! We talked a few minutes; he checked outside and I was able to go on my way. Never forgot that kindness and being trusted at my word. 🙂
When I was a teenager, I was walking down a quiet street in the afternoon when a guy in his 40s approached me. He started out by saying how pretty I was and then began telling me obscene things he did with past girlfriends who were pretty like me. Then he brushed my hair off my shoulder and I'll never forget the feeling of his fingers brushing against my neck and how scared I felt. That part of the street was wooded on either side but there were houses just up ahead. I said I lived up ahead (I lied) and I walked in the middle of the street in case he tried to drag me into the woods. He kept walking with me and as soon as I reached the first house, I said I lived there and walked up the driveway to the door and knocked. A lady answered, and I was crying as I explained what happened. She let me in and I called my dad to come get me. I'm 45 and will never forget that moment.
I want to thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with everyone, especially the importance of awareness (environment & self), the power of what you have (voice, physical separation, the power of crowds, and intentional eye contact), and advocating for self-protection devices.
Regarding self-protection devices, I was fortunate to have lived in Tokyo, Japan for 9+ years, and one of the many things that stood out to me was how elementary school-age children freely took the train to and from school. It totally blew me away and three of the things I noticed were that they stayed in a group (until reaching their stop), they wore something bright (backpack or hat), and lastly I learned that they all carried either a whistle or an alarm that they could pull which would make the most ear-piercing noise I've heard in my life.
One of the great things about all of that, was that every Japanese national had walked in those same shoes. They could relate with the traveling and responsibility that's put on them at a very young age, they knew why they were wearing something bright, and if the whistle was blown or alarm activated they immediately knew what it was and how to respond (thankfully, Tokyo is the safest city I've ever lived in my life).
Thank you so much once again for this video and wishing you and yours a blessed, healthy, safe, prosperous, and peaceful 2025!
I keep a whistle attached to my car keys and have done so for many years. Call out what you may, but a whistle will get you attention every time.🇦🇺
I was " mobbed by a group of male teens ranging from id say 13 up to 20, there were 11 to my count, as i got out of my car in my apt buildings secure underground parking garage. 60yrs old, 5ft 4 woman, and this group suddenly surrounded my car and back talking at me. I worked as an ER Nurse for many years so I just put on my authoritive loud voice saying, " you dont belong down here. WHY ARE YOU HERE. Others trying car doors joined them. The youngest kids headed for the stairs out, but the older bigger guys said " we can do what we want"... with that i slid into my car, id not closed the door yet, and started it and threw it in reverse, and started backing up .. the entire mob ran for the exit with me following in reverse. I dont have a cell phone, so i drove to the nearest police station, and made a report. Describing the 2 leaders best i could. The cops escorted me back, roused the apt landlord, whom we cant bother after 5pm. He knew which apt one of the leaders was visit8ng his grandmother in, because hed had issues with him. So i took a cop and re parked. And the other cops and landlord advised the grandmother of eviction, and got nane of most of the mob. Never saw them again.
It's a cultural thang...
thank you!! from someone whose been stalked and bullied and had to learn all this on my own! glad you are supporting those who need it wth this video
1973...walking in NYC from bus terminal to an embassy...19 years old, fit, strong and rash like most young...older guy following me...cross to other side several times...he followed...busy with people & traffic as city tends to be...when crossing a strret with mnay others, made a 180 and went right up to the creep and confronted him...face to face, yelling & cursing...light changed...traffic honking...cop comes over and tells us each to go in adifferent direction..never saw that bastard again. Switch to 2023, guy following me in food store, kept meeting with guy in various aisles, no shopping cart...suspicious and alert..while putting bags in truck see him approaching me quickly, made eye contact...kept coming...at around 25 feet, I raised my shirt unconcealing my CCW...ready to draw...creep immediately made a 180 and went back in store...I followed, could not find him and notified mgt, police and we found him on store video...ran out through an employee area only, onto loading dock and ran away from store. Never saw that guy again. Police did not bring up that I flashed my weapon, which illigal in my state..but knowing this I did not care, as my life is supremely above any such law...Just my two cents...times have changed. In 1973 fights were mainly physical...now I and many others are armed. Basic take away: always be aware of your surroundings. One more thing...if you choose to conceal carry, you must think hard and decide if you will actually use it...if not, don't even bother to carry...the last guy...We were staring directly into each other's eyes...I knew he was up to no good and he knew I would use my weapon...love happy endings.
I know it’s not funny but for something to happen to you 50 yrs later could mean you some sort of sex siren or certain creeps like yr sort of look,walk,demeanour etc and I know it’s no excuse for them to do so!
@@kinafagan9250 The name of the commenter is jake though, so I'd guess it's not a woman.
@@kinafagan9250,
Nice job, blaming the victim, and suggesting that being attractive is somehow wrong. We are NOT going to dress like mummies to avoid potential attackers. Those people belong in a cage, not on the streets stalking people.
@@jake321able The equalizer, HELLO!!!
@@kinafagan9250
Or put it another way: Nothing's happened for 50 years.
I treat it the same as driving a car. Distance, space, keeps you safe. And drive (walk) as though everyone else's car is a missle out to get you. That last part was my dad's advice.
Happened to me in Paris, Cape Town and Vienna. Very scary and is the reason why I’ve lost my joy for travel. The Paris follow was the most aggressive, he stayed a few steps behind me whispering - I ran into a flower shop (about 6 p.m. on a Saturday) and asked them to call an Uber. When the Uber came, he was still outside waiting. The Cape Town one was done so well that I did not even notice - a Security guard called to me from a hotel across the road warning me. Again, I called an Uber this time myself because I was not sure if the security guard was setting me up and if the Uber driver would be safe (I’m South African and well familiar with the games). As I turned, I just saw the lightning movement of 2 men behind some cars. These are the reasons why I don’t travel as much anymore and have lost some of the joy. These were on well lit streets (Vienna), well before dark (Paris) and in broad daylight (Cape Town).
Such a pity you've lost your joy for travelling. Maybe pair up with a friend or join a group travel organisation.
Almost the same exact thing happened to me in Rome.
Paris is notorious for creepy follows.
I was being followed by a guy on a bicycle, there was no doubt about it.
I indeed went into a store, a bakery. There I told the people this guy was following me. He cycled by twice in both directions, clearly proving my point. Once he had just cycled past and could no longer see into the store, they quickly let me pass through their kitchen and out the back.
I ran across the street into the neighborhood behind my house. There I checked whether or not I'd lost him. I thankfully discovered my action had been successful and I was able to safely walk home.
Always trust your gut! I used to ride my bike to work. One dark, cold December evening I was riding back home. A guy on a bike was behind me in the bike lane, and as I made a left onto a residential street, he had kept on going straight on the original street. But then, a few seconds later there he was, alongside me. He had turned around and come back to turn on my same street. He passed me on the left (sizing me up, perhaps?), and then fell back abreast with me again. Big red flag, so I immediately began sizing HIM up! He was shorter than me, quite thin, and oddly wearing a long, lightweight dark coat that couldn't possibly have kept him warm on a night where the temps were in the mid 30s. (I was wearing a ski parka, and I was cold). I also had a much bigger, heavier bike than he did. I figured if I had to, I could kick his ass. We were riding along a divided street that had a wooded creek running down the middle of it. Just before we came to where I was going to make another left across a bridge over the creek, he asked me in broken English if I would have sex with him. I laughed out loud, and told him in Spanish how ridiculous that was - and that I was older than his own mother. I think that really surprised him, and he didn't know how to react. He kept going straight along the creek, and I turned left and crossed the bridge. That time he didn't follow me. So, fast forward a couple weeks, and there was a local news story about a young man that had been arrested and identified as a serial rapist, with several of the attacks having happened along that very same creek, in the same block! The description exactly matched the guy I had encountered, including the bike. I guess I dodged a bullet that night. But then again, maybe HE dodged the bullet, because I was in no mood to be messed with.
@@magicunicorn6535 sounds like you still dodged a bullet, it can't be fun having to physically fight a person who wants to 🍇 you.
You really had good instincts and acted in a way that shifted him out of his internal narrative of what he was going to do to you in probably a predator/prey story.
How you responded actually kind of reminds me of my husband being approached by someone at gunpoint, asking him to give over his wallet. My husband said: no thank you. And then just continued walking - as he was internally freaking the hell out. He still walked normally, until he turned the next corner and only then started running. He figured the robber might come to their senses and come after him and that showing signs of distress might set the robber off to try and get his wallet again.
Anyway, you go!
Absolutely good advice, I’m glad your wife kept herself safe, smart lady! I walk for exercise through my neighborhood in my small town and have had this happen a number of times. I never speed up my pace, I start to walk basically like a man and I always make eye contact. I carry pepper gel and taser combo as well as a quick release lanyard heavy with metal keychains that I’ve practiced with. I’ve even had a creeper follow me at walking pace in his car, I pulled out my phone and pointed it towards him, and yes, I’m still here. Awareness is the best weapon. In addition, if you like to listen to music or podcasts while walking, only use one earbud and use a volume that allows you to be aware of noises around you. Thank you also for doing this talk about people and not just women, my husband had a big truck follow him for two blocks while walking once, it was really scary, he called me to describe the truck as it was happening and they drove away once they saw him on the phone. Stay safe friends!
My husband and I were walking a trail and there was a group of older teenagers ahead. My gut just felt like something wasn’t right. So I told him, start slowing your pace. They slowed their pace. Ok, this isn’t right. So I stopped to look down into a ravine and point down at the River as a pretend distraction. They too stopped and were waiting for who knows what. I knew if we kept on ahead, where the trail bends further into the woods, past houses, we were doomed. When they started to walk away, I said NOW, and we ran the opposite direction and got out of there really fast. Trust your gut people!
Excellent maneuver to safety.
This is good advice, women always have to be alert. Although I have never gotten any assistance from the police when I did ask for help. My ex military neighbor started stalking me in a subtle way, walking by or riding his bike by my condo, showing up at the library, used a drone to fly by my balcony and car and flying when I walk. I reported it and you're right, often no one will help you!. I confronted him, changed my phone number, quit talking to him, and made 2-3 reports but was not hurt physically. Stalkers are like bulldogs, very, very persistent and undeterred. (Dan Tim Erlich).
when I was innocent & young I had a few horrible episodes with men. I learned when I got a big dog I could go anywhere by myself & never be threatened or bothered again. My dogs were all easy animals, but large & if they stood still & stared, men even left the camp ground! I think all girls/women ought to have big dogs, the most gentle know when to look strong.
Yes!! I love walking with my big, loyal, loving but fierce when needed dog. If I keep an eye on his observations, I see people, animals, anything long before I would ever sense it myself.
Dogs can be shot. Who's going to protect your dog? Apparently not you.
I have owned English Bull Terriers - scary looking dogs (but really loving and the clowns of the dog world). People would cross the street away from me when I walked with them. I told my partner this and his smart, humorous remark was that people were afraid of me, not the dogs !
Dogs don't deter everyone. When I was 20, I lived with people who had two pitbulls. They were wonderful dogs but if you came to their home and they didn't know you, they would go crazy barking and jumping at the door as if to attack. They never did but you wouldn't know that if you didn't know them. A guy followed me home one evening and the dogs did their usual routine. He tried to follow me into the house even with them barking. I pretended to be concerned about him and that the dogs would attack him and was able to close the door on him. If he had forced his way in and the dogs attacked him, they would have been punished and they should not have been, since they were only protecting me. That was my concern more than anything else.
@@KarenR71 A few years ago my new Australian Shepherd rescue that I had for only two weeks lunged at a man in the park who pretended to try to get near me by petting the dog, (the man fell back on the ground, cursed and left the area) This dog definitely sensed this person was probably a threat and was not going to let him near me. This breed of dog is a protector, and most are gentle but understand possible threats as their instinct is to protect sheep. My niece bought one to take with her to college and live off campus. No one bothered her the entire four years.
When i was young & naïve, i decided to head home late at night , alone! I caught the night bus & then started walking the last 5 minutes home , as i walked i could here a light dragging sound behind me , i stopped & the noise stopped, i was terrified, i sped up & so did the noise, i raced into my gate & hammered on the door, my brother let me in & as i turned around i realised my bag strap had broken & my bag had been dragging across the floor behind me , like a stalker, what a relief. As a woman i would never go out alone at night .
Funny story. Thanks for the chuckle.😂
You poor thing but I’m glad it ended in a laugh. 😅
I was thinking that was too much like a movie, lol.
Being a bit of a scairdy-cat myself, I had to laugh about the scraping sound - and relieved you were okay😊!
I can imagine the ribbing you got from your brother.😅 I have brothers too so I know, but good on you for perceiving danger.
Thank you so much for your teaching and instructions.
Do NOT head to the assumed safety of your home. Change direction, go to areas with more people i.e. a shop, a restaurant. Alert someone in those places that you think you are being followed. Do not think you are being foolish in your assumption. If your not being followed, fine. You just carry on with your day. If you were being followed, you have averted what could have been a serious threat and you learn the lesson and carry on with your day.
I agree about not going home. For a few reasons.
I was once in Vancouver very early in the morning before the busses were running. A man jumped out of a car and walked over to me. I was only 19 at the time and maybe 120 pounds. He was trying to coerce me into the car. The first thing I thought was I was probably faster than him, so if he tried to get me, I could run into the McDonald's across the road and go behind the counter. But I started acting angry and yelling at him to back off. After a while of me causing a scene, he backed off and drove away. Now I have a daughter and I always tell her if she feels unsafe around someone, cause a scene and go find someone you trust. We've even practiced her yelling "no!" As loud as she can in case someone tried to touch her.
I was chased through a woodland when out walking with my dogs. I got a 100 yards or so in front of him and got my phone out and pointed it at him. He obviously thought I was videoing him and taking photos and run off in the opposite direction … very useful if you are in a remote place and have enough distance between you.
but you weren't actually videoing or taking photo's? why not?
@@Paravetje because I was still running and didn’t have my glasses on to open camera app on my phone. But he didn’t know that! …
OMG how scary!!! Thank God for a happy ending!
My grandmother told me that my grandfather told her (this could be almost 100 years ago!) that, if he was taking the bus home, and a lady got off at his stop, he would always hang back for a couple of minutes and, maybe, light a cigarette or slightly change his route home and give the young lady time to be on her way and out of sight. I have lived all my life in New York City; sometimes, a lady might be in front of me and I knew we were heading for the same place, I would take my keys out and make noise - just enough to alert her that I was there. Also, if it is possible, if she is wearing heels, she might want to remove them and carry them and run without shoes - but, again, there would have to be quite a distance between the lady and the person she feels is following her for her to have time to do that.
You would follow them from close behind and shake your heels at them making noise so they will run away barefoot ?
@@ti3167 it might be helpful to reread this. First part was Grandpa telling Grandma what he does so a female understands he means her no harm. The second was Grandma saying what she herself would do if she felt threatened
Yes, a woman should take off her high heels to run but also to use the heel as a weapon to defend herself if needed.
I've had a few situations. When was two of us young ladies driving home from a gig late at night and I was going to bring her home to her apartment. A car full of guys was following us. So instead of going to her apartment I started heading over to my part of town where I knew where the police division was, and I just pulled right into the police division, and that got rid of them.
Another time I was alone in my car on an interstate going from one state to another. An 18 wheeler truck started following me and then getting up beside me and then pulling back behind me and looked like trying to talk to me. First thing I did was since this was before I had a cell phone but there were a few around, I picked up a cassette and held it up to my ear while he was behind me to try to make it look like I was reporting him. And he was pretty close behind me. So the next thing I did is with an exit coming up, I turned my blinker on like I was going to exit, and I think he thought that was me flirting and pulling over so he'd follow. Knowing that he can't maneuver that truck as fast as I could my car, at the last minute I did not exit but he had to.
Just a few months later, I heard about a serial killer working that interstate. I called bureau of investigation for that state and described him and his truck, which was something that stood out. Just in case.
One time I was at a public park that had some woods off to one side. They're usually weren't very many people out there at all. So it was pretty empty. And I had my big dog and started taking a path through the woods when I noticed what I thought was a creepy man not far behind me. He fell back when I saw him and I just quickly took the dog a little further into the thicket and crouched and listened for his whereabouts. I didn't know my way around that thicket and only knew the one way out that I had come in, so I felt I had to just lay low. And then eventually I could sort of hear and plus I thought I was hearing some people now in the parking lot, so then we made a dive for the parking lot knowing I could call out if necessary.
Carrying a police whistle around your neck or in a pocket isn't a bad idea.
And the other thing I have heard is that if someone does start trying to take you away, just become dead weight and sit on the ground because dead weight is hard to move. And then start yelling.
A trucker terrorized me, too. I had forgotten about that. I did call the police.
One time when I was in my 30s I was driving down the coast road from Mendocino to San Francisco. It was a weekday and there were few cars on the road. Then a large pickup truck with oversized wheels came up right on my tail. There were three guys in it. I wasn't poking along, I was going the speed limit. I took a couple turnouts to let them pass, but they pulled into the turnouts with me and back onto the road behind me each time. They would sometimes pull alongside me on the left, which is always a bad sign whether you're in the middle of nowhere or on a busy freeway. They were laughing, and obviously just messing with me, but I was done with all their games and was getting pretty annoyed. I finally started slowing down, and then just stopped in the middle of the highway, straddling the center line. They drove on a ways, and then stopped. I just waited to see what their next move was going to be. They backed up a few feet, then appeared to change their minds, and drove off. They peeled out, driving way too fast, and disappeared as the road started curving back up the mountain towards Mill Valley. A few minutes later there they were again, only this time their truck had gone off the roadway, rolled a couple times and was lying upside-down, its wheels still spinning. Did I stop to see if they were still alive? Nope. No cellphones in those days, but did I stop in Mill Valley to call 911? Nope. Did I laugh all the rest of the way to San Francisco? Yep. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes!
@magicunicorn6535 Scary. I have completely stopped on the road when someone is riding my bumper. Most of the time I don't even think they're aware they're doing it. But those guys were.
I was jogging in the evening and noticed a guy behind me. I turned onto another street, he followed. Changed streets again and he got closer so i turned and ran by him off the sidewalk into an empty four lane road and ran to a store. Saw him in the store and his eyes, well I really escaped something.
Good advice. I found myself in many similar situations. Sadly I have now stopped walking home alone and always ask for the company of a male friend. I also have pepper spray which is legally available in Germany. Keeping hold of my keys is also good advice. But it is a sad state of affairs. In Germany they also have dedicated illuminated women only car parking spaces. That helps, too
I was in my early 30's, it was in the early 90's, approximately 10-11 at night, in Fresno, California. I was driving home alone from a friends, and at the stop light there was a car behind me with two men inside. It was apparent they were following me so when I came up to my street to turn on, I decided to pass it and keep driving so they would not know where I lived. They continued to follow me all around town for a good 20 minuets or so and at one point the passenger got out of the car at the stop light and started walking up to my driver-side window; the light was still red and there were no other cars around me, so I decided to take off and go through the red light. The passenger ran back to the car and they continued to follow me and I was scared. At that time, we didn't have cell phones and I was dating a police officer and decided to drive to the precinct where one of the briefing offices was where the police go for briefing and pick up their squad cars for their shift. It was just down the street and around the corner in a large office complex from where I was. I drove into the parking lot, the men were still following me, and I drove right down into the highly lit garage where the entry to the building was and there were at least 20-25 police cars parked all around. As soon as the two men realized where they had followed me, they slammed on the breaks, pealed out in a back up motion and sped off quickly. My heart was racing and I just sat in my car of course with the doors locked for a good ten-fifteen minutes or so directly in front of a camera. At that time, those briefing precincts are usually pretty empty, because the officer's are out on their shift. There were cameras all around and again, the area well highly lit. My instinct told me they are most likely gone and I can then slowly back out and go home. I watched like a hawk and went a different way home taking a lot of turns on various streets watching to make sure they were not lurking around and waiting. I was blessed to have made it home safely and never saw that car or those two men again. I will say, they were most likely immigrants from the Mexico area or close to that country and may have been illegals! My instincts that the Lord gave me, saved me from something bad that could of happened that night...Lady's don't ever let them know where you live; I lived alone at that time.
Situational awareness from the start. I’m a woman in San Francisco. You guys have heard how crazy gets around here. Well, I haven’t been victimized because I use situational awareness.
If I go out, I’m back at home before midnight.
If you ever have to yell for help, don’t say help scream FIRE. Nobody is going to come and help you most likely but they will certainly come around because they think their house or car might be on fire.
Great reminder!….and, unfortunately true
I agree 👍💯...fire 🔥 works.
Years ago in Boston right outside of Roxbury my apartment building was one block from bus stop, a guy came out of nowhere and was following close behind I turned to look at him and smile as I was about to enter my building he grabbed me from behind putting a chokehold on me forcing me to pass out. He dragged me between two abandoned buildings and I woke up screaming which alerted my upstairs neighbor who yelled out the window causing him to run off. Never ever let anyone get that close to you, I was young and too polite to put up my hand and say no , stop. Always carry mace or pepper spray and don’t be afraid to use it if a situation like this arises
My wife was attacked very badly by a guy who stocked her and jumped her. She had mace but the guy was jacked up on drugs and felt no effect of the mace. Remember all mace does is give you at BEST 2-5 seconds to run like hell before he gets adjusted. Now he is even more jacked up on adrenaline and pissed at you. A woman will NEVER stop a man like that, unless they have a gun. Ask my wife. 3 surgeries later, a plate in her arm with 30 screws, 6 months of PT, took her2 months just to be able to dress herself again, and a 1 1/2 years to recover, but will never get full function of her body and has lots of permanent health problems we are still dealing with 4 years later. Forget court , restraining orders, and knowing he his still out there. Jail was time served. Live in a Maine. Liberal, but not as liberal as Mass.We carry a gun everywhere now. The only thing that will save us. So forget the mace, that is movie crap.
I am happy you are still here to tell you the story
Wow! He should have been charged with attempted homicide. I am so glad your wife is still alive. She is very lucky. I'm sorry for both of you and your family that she had to endure this and go through it!
Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan...my old stomping grounds. Glad you were okay. I got my purse snatched in Mattspan. I was just a kid, all that was in there was my retainer. I got in so much trouble cause no one thought a kid would get their bag snatched 😮
@@kevinbenoit7167 that is why I conceal and open carry. Forget mace ...
Amsterdam 1991, being tourists in the town. My ex wife tells me we are being followed. I'm eternally glad she was switched on because I wasn't. We double-checked by stopping at shop windows. They'd stop when we did. By this time we had moved from the main shopping precinct, a tactical error on my part. There was two of them, one big, one average and ratlike. Being in Europe, we had no legal weapons for self defence. I decided we should continue along. Lucky for us, we came to a T Junction in a suburb with two cops patrolling. We crossed to the cops and the two would be muggers went the other way giving me a dirty looks as they went. I relaxed too much in a foreign city so much so that my situational awareness was not there. Stay safe and have a great new year. Cheers 🍻
I appreciate that "follow your gut feeling" is stressed. If you change your route and it turns out they were simply walking in the same direction, the only thing you've lost is a few steps. "The Gift of Fear" book makes a similar point - trust your gut.
Love that book! I was just coming to the comments to suggest it.
I had a guy smile at me, because he knew that I knew he was following me. He saved his life that night, but he didn't know that part.
🔫
That is a good video. Thank you. I was followed when I went on a hike in a lonely forest. First, I realized that someone was following me, was when I received an intuitive perception about it. I started to feel a painful feeling in my solar plexus which got worse by the minute. I had the urge to hide behind a bush, but then I tried to be rational and pushed these feelings away. The bad vibes but got worse and worse when I all of a sudden saw a tall man in a beige suite (that was so weird, to wear a beige suit in a mountain forest). He appeared on the path that I was on. There was a turn on the path, that is why I only saw him then. He was about 20 meters away from me and when he saw me we locked eyes, and my blood felt as if it was freezing. I had a strong sensation that this man wanted to harm and kill me. He started to look for a stick. My first instinct was to simply run away from him, but where? As it would only lead me deeper into the forest.
In that instance, what I did, as I had no weapons of any kind with me, I started to pray for help and a voice told me to turn towards that man, walk towards him, and not look into his eyes but pass him calmly and then run for my life into the direction of the mountain settlement that was about 15 minutes away from. Due to my prayer, I felt a strong LIGHT wall around me all of a sudden. I held on to that awareness as I was completely scared.
So I pushed my enormous fear away, slowly walked towards that man, who was standing there with that stick, and I did not look into his eyes, he did not move an inch when I passed him, but then I started to run, and it felt as if I run for my life.
When I did run along the forest path, I avoided to look behind me as I was afraid that if I see him, the fear will slow me down. I reached the settlement and entered a restaurant. I was shaking. The first person seeing me, was startled and said " What on earth happened to you? _ and she helped me and calmed me down. Also informed authorities.
This experience changed my life. Since this day, I always listen to my hunches and intuitions and not try to rationalize them even if direct physical proof is absent.
Sounds like he saw you elsewhere and followed, maybe why he was in suit. I have often wondered what was it that day that transpired between me and a stranger. Trust your gut, your intuition and feelings.
I had a glass window in front of me that saved my life
@@gerismith1218 I never thought about that he could had already followed me when leaving the little settlement. It was a November day, very foggy. No tourists on that high plateau in the Austrian Alps. When I entered the forest, already after about 250 meters I started to receive weird impressions. A bird let out a sound and the thought popped up in my head " This is a messenger of death". It was so weird but I still walked on, when I seemed to see BEINGS standing in my path telling me to turn around and not go into the forest this day. I actually thought I have a vivid phantasy and ignored that. I walked on and the path turned left when it got intense. I suddenly SAW little earth-colored gnomes in front of me, screaming hide behind that bush, hide behind that bush. I understand if many people might not believe me, and I have never experienced anything similar before and I myself did not believe what I was experiencing (but I experienced it later a few times again when I was hiking with a group of friends up a high mountain and we took the wrong path and it got completely dark and we there was someone guiding us and similar). I thought in my head, that cannot be that I see gnomes, I am not clairvoyant, so this was my self-talk. Then there was a HUGE pain in my solar plexus, I turned my eyes back to where I was coming from, but there was nothing there to see on the earthly level, but I SAW a MONSTER coming towards me on a finer level, with knives, bloody, a gorilla-like figure, primitive. Then that man appeared with that beige suite.
Yes, we need to listen to our intuitive warnings as it can help us evade a lot of harm. All the best.
God was with you, protecting you from all harm. That man would not touch you.
@@MaggyKN Thank you for your comment. Yes I know. The inner voice told me also other things in the one minute I made my decisions. It told me for example, that I am at a Crossroad on that day, and I will either die or live. I have to proof today that my Faith in God is strong.
I have been in several of these types of scenarios. Your strategies are all valid. However, afraid or not, the first thing is not to panic.
When I enter a new space -- exiting store, exiting elevator, etc -- I like to pause, take in my surroundings. Helps my situational awareness and let's any creep know I might not be the easy target he's looking for.
exactly, I don't want to be an easy target at all. I also make sure I am on my own in lifts, and walk out if anyone particularly a man gets in
Yes!!! Went to the river one night to see the northern lights. There was a man that was following me. I ran up to three woman and told them what was happening. They said ok your with us. He left after that.
I was riding a bike on a quiet neighborhood street a car turned onto the street behind me. I felt afraid of this car from that moment i knew they came this way because they saw me. So, I went on the sidewalk. He pulled past me stopped and got out walked to the back of the car. I went back on to the street to make a wide arc around him. He said excuse me in a friendly tone, and then lunged at me as i steered around him just out of reach. Lucky my gut had me strategizing from the first moment. Never ignore that feeling. Its clear as a bell.
Once, I was walking home from work when I realized that I was being followed. After making a few turns to verify it, I walked to a spot where the streetlight was to my back, turned, and dropped into a defensive stance. I looked him up and down, and asked him why he was following me. He stopped, and I started to slowly weave back and forth as if waiting for a sparring partner to try a strike. After about a minute, he backed up a little and started walking away. A glance back at me, crossed the street, and he disappeared around a corner. I waited about five minutes, then started home. Never saw him again that night or any other, but I was hypervigilant for the next two weeks. Since then, I've moved around a lot, and have settled in a small rural town that's mainly farmland. I've been taking courses in Krav Maga, Silat, and some MMA mixed in. The other towns and cities in my area are more active, and when I'm out, I remember the saying about it being better to know how to fight and not have to use it. 👍🥋
Never be in an isolated place, if you are followed, go into a public place- store, gas station, etc. This is how I would handle it as an older woman.
also go somewhere with obvious cameras or a security guard.
Approach the nearest person in a house or seek help from staff in the big stores to call the police if you feel scared.
Pre cell phone days. I was being followed and went inside a commons building at Columbia College MO and no one would help me. I was 15 I waited for 15 mins and went back outside and ran to my grandparents house the dude was still following me.
@@elaineporter182 That's terrible. You were too naive to not ask the college kids, but that's not your fault. When in trouble, we need to find somebody who has a vested interest in the building, business, etc, like a store clerk/office worker or janitor. You can't ask other customers or people just passing through an area. Those people are afraid that you are the one trying to pull something over on them and will keep on walking. The best thing you can do is ask strangers if you can walk near them until you get to some place safe.
I was a teen in the 70's in a beach area in Santa Cruz county, and I used to need to go for walks alone just to get out of a stressful home situation, but I was very fit, very alert, I would tuck my long hair into my shirt at night, and hold a knife in my hand hidden by my sleeves. I would walk with confidence, and also I knew I could run up to any door on the street for help. The one time someone or something descended from the woods towards me when I was on an extremely isolated stretch of road in the late afternoon going home, I screamed as loud as I could and got in the middle of the road and sprinted towards town, not stopping screaming at full throttle until I hit an area with people and cars, but I did not stop sprinting as if my life depended upon it until I made it home a mile or two later. I got my stepdad and he got a bat and we drove back but found nothing.
Thank you so much for posting this info. I have used this method to protect my elderly mother and myself at WalMart from shady beggars. Thank you to all the people who commented with their own stories.
Thank you ! Vigilance, unapproachability* and unpredictability* is my go to also😊
In Egypt a friend and myself decided to go for a walk to check the area out on our first day, I noticed two people standing in the distance body language was a bit odd? I suggested to a friend for us to avoid a side alley, we changed course and followed the main road to avoid those. That day we were very lucky to say the least, some other tourists were attacked in that alleyway.
I believe that we should always listen to that little voice/instincts whatever you want to call it.
When I was 18, working a fairly late shift at a grocery store, I had a man approach me and tell me he would be waiting for me when I got off. I didn't know this guy, so I told my manager I was creeped out by his statement. The manager told him to leave and the man refused, so my manager called the police. I called my dad who came to get me prepared with my brother. The police were arresting the guy when I left with my dad behind me in his vehicle and my brother with me.
Now, as an adult with four children under 10, this is a scenario I've thought of, what would I do. Thanks for going over this.
My mastiff was a four month old big puppy at 65lbs when I was walking him on the side of a not too busy road. Soon a weird looking dude was walking behind us. He immediately noticed. I tried to speed up but my boy absolutely refused. He turned around and faced the guy ready to defend. The guy actually crossed the road to avoid us and sped up. To this day, my now 110lb Dogo Argentino absolutely refuses to turn his back on a potential threat. He’s no bs. Doesn’t even bark - won’t waste the energy. He just turns around, stiffens up and gives the fafo death stare with an occasional low growl. We travel back n forth from a big city to a semi-rural area and being a petite female, I’m always on alert when shady characters approach. Once they get close enough to see my dog’s size they completely change their demeanor and disappear. I also carry multiple defensive tools on me, but I feel so much better having this big, fierce molosser by my side.
What bad guy is going to attack a woman with a Mastiff for one? But two, the dog could have just sensed your apprehension at the man. Him and, as you describe, at least a few others since. Fearful people shouldn't have "aggressive" dogs especially when they are much bigger than them. Too many innocent people, including the owners, get attacked and worse by that combination. If you're scared your dog will be looking for the cause. If you're mad, your dog will be mad and looking for the cause lol. Aggressive dogs need calm owners.
@@fredastaire5300 First of all I said my dog noticed the man and reacted immediately meaning before I did. How could he have been reacting to me, if I didn’t even notice the guy first, lol.
Secondly, where in my comment did I state my dog was fear aggressive, or that I am in general a “fearful person.” Did I not specify the people in question were shady or do you have issues with reading comprehension? Clearly, you don’t understand the difference between being “fearful” and having situational awareness.
Foolish people shouldn’t make ASSumptions.
I have zero issues handling my dog. Not to mention the fact that he’s professionally trained and is totally obedient. If you knew anything about this breed, you would know that this is a highly intelligent animal, and it’s in their bloodlines as guardians and hunters to protect and defend.
There’s a big difference between a dog defending its owner, and a dog being fear aggressive and reacting to everyone that crosses their path for no good reason.
What bad guy is going to attack a woman with a mastiff? Not many, which is why I got him genius, but there have been instances were mentally ill people high af on something have gotten close enough, and thought about it. Not to mention the simple fact that if one is following at a distance, you cannot see the size of the dog right away until you close that distance. That’s when they back off.
My dog never lunges at people, barks or growls without good reason. If someone shady is invading my space he lets them know to back off but he would never attack unless someone with bad intentions got close enough and tried to harm me. That does not make him an aggressive dog that makes him a protective dog.
I have had people on the street approach me to ask for directions etc. and never once has my dog become aggressive with them or attempted to attack any of those people. If I had no control over him, certainly I wouldn’t have people coming up to me at all on the street. He’s smart enough to know when someone ain’t right, and if I give him a simple command he listens. The only people who have good reason to be afraid of him or either fearful themselves, or are up to no good.
@@fredastaire5300 First of all I said my dog noticed the man before I did and his reaction was justified. How could he have been reacting to me if I didn’t even notice the guy first?
Secondly, where in my comment did I state my dog was fear aggressive, or that I am in general a “fearful person.” Did I not specify the people in question were shady or do you have issues with reading comprehension?
F00lish ppl shouldn’t make ASSumptions.
I have zero issues handling my dog. Not to mention the fact that he’s professionally trained and is totally obedient. If you knew anything about this breed, you would know that this is a highly intelligent breed, and it’s in their bloodlines as guardians and hunters to protect and defend.
There’s a big difference between a dog defending its owner, and a dog being fear aggressive and reacting to everyone they see for no reason.
What bad guy is going to attack a woman with a mastiff? Not many, which is why I got him genius, but there have been instances were mentally ill people high af on something have gotten close enough, and thought about it. Not to mention the simple fact that if one is walking at a distance, you cannot see the size of the dog right away until you close that distance. That’s when they back off.
My dog never lunges at people, barks or growls without good reason. If someone shady is invading my space he lets them know to back off but he would never attack unless someone with bad intentions got close enough to harm me. That does not make him an aggressive dog that makes him a protective dog.
I have had people on the street approach me to ask for directions etc and never once has my dog become aggressive with them or attempted to attack any of those people. He’s smart enough to know when someone ain’t right, and if I give him a simple command he listens. The only people who have good reason to be afraid of him are either fearful themselves or are up to no good.
@@fredastaire5300
Where in my comment did I state that my dog was fear aggressive, or that I am in general a “fearful person.” Did I not specify the people in question were shady or do you have issues with reading comprehension?
Uneducated people shouldn’t make assumptions.
You admit that “bad” people exist, and yet you insinuate if a woman notices a potential threat she’s a “fearful person” and not a “calm person” and shouldn’t have a protective dog.
Sounds like you’re the kind of guy that likes meek women who walk alone, have zero situational awareness or any means to protect themselves. As for me, I’m going to continue to do what bad guys don’t like, which is stay aware and be proactive when it comes to my safety and security:)
Furthermore, I have zero issues handling my dog. Not to mention the fact that he’s professionally trained and is totally obedient. There’s a big difference between a dog defending its owner, and a dog being fear aggressive and reacting to everyone in their path without reason.
What bad guy is going to attack a woman with a mastiff? Not many, which is why I got him genius, but there have been instances were mentally ill people high af on something have gotten close enough, and thought about it. Not to mention the simple fact that if one is walking at a distance, you cannot see the size of the dog right away until you close that distance. That’s when they back off.
My dog never lunges at people, barks or growls without good reason. If someone shady is invading my space he lets them know to back off but he would never attack unless someone with bad intentions got too close and tried to harm me. That does not make him an aggressive dog that makes him a protective dog.
Do you not know the difference between being fearful and having situational awareness?
I have had people on the street approach me to ask for directions etc. and never once have I run from them or has my dog become aggressive or attempted to attack any of them. He’s smart enough to know when someone ain’t right, and if I give him a simple command he listens. The only people who are afraid of him are either fearful themselves or are up to no good.
@ Where in my comment did I state my dog was fear aggressive, or that I am in general a “fearful person.” Did I not specify the people in question were shady or do you have issues with reading comprehension?
Uneducated people shouldn’t make assumptions.
I have zero issues handling my dog. Not to mention the fact that he’s professionally trained and is totally obedient.
There’s a big difference between a dog defending its owner, and a dog being fear aggressive and reacting to everyone in their path for no reason.
What bad guy is going to attack a woman with a mastiff? Not many, which is why I got him genius, but there have been instances were mentally ill people high af on something have gotten close enough, and thought about it. Not to mention the simple fact that if one is walking at a distance, you cannot see the size of the dog right away until you close that distance. That’s when they back off.
My dog never lunges at people, barks or growls without good reason. If someone shady is invading my space he lets them know to back off but he would never attack unless someone with bad intentions tried to harm me. That does not make him an aggressive dog that makes him a protective dog.
I have had people on the street approach me to ask for directions etc and never once have I run from them or has my dog become aggressive and attempted to attack them. He’s smart enough to know when someone ain’t right, and if I give him a simple command he listens. The only people who are afraid of him or either fearful themselves or are up to no good. There’s a big difference between being g fearful and having situational awareness. Educate yourself and learn the difference.
I’m from the uk, we can’t carry ANYTHING (legally)! The best I have is a “defense” spray that will stain an attacker with blue dye for up to 7 days :/
Thank you. You know what's going on and, without unduly scaring us, you remind us that there are some really bad people out there and we need to be prepared.
Awesome video and well put! As an old Marine, Biker and having been an Over The Road Semi Truck Driver I have seen and experienced more of this than I care to mention. Hair spray, Hornet & Wasp spray, Bleach in a spray bottle, Tactical Pen, Switch Blade or Fixed Blade Knife or High Voltage Taser that is fast and simple to use. These are just a few things of many options a person can use. Always go for eyes, ears, throat and or crotch if a person is attacked. I do what a bear does if you follow them, Turn around and go right back at them and act seriously pissed off. And I do know it does work. And I do know it does work for women as well, I have watched it happen. Humans have to remember there is nothing to fear but fear itself! and fear is an illusion! This bull shit society has instilled way too much fear in people! Just my Jarhead back woods country boy opinion. Take Good Care, Enjoy Life and Be Safe! Later
I like your way of thinking.
@@lauratyler4863 Thank You Mam. When I drove semi I carried a flare gun with me that I painted semi gloss black because it is ILLEGAL to carry a firearm in a semi truck. At close range a flare is highly lethal when it hits a human body. From this old U.S. Marine please remember this," IMPROVISE, ADAPT & OVER COME ". I live alone way back in the woods of N.E. Wisconsin and all my guns are loaded ready to rock n roll. Survival for the fittest. Take Good Care and Be Safe! Later, Jeff, { Walks With Bear - Wind Walker }
Easy for you to say,wow! Women are prey,men predators.! If men were stalked,raped,murdered at nearly the same rate, we would'nt be having this convo.The most dangerous place for a woman is actually in her own home,with her spouse.Google,🧐
How about some ammonia in a spray bottle? I do keep wasp spray nearby. I've been carrying layers of protection on me for several years now. Pepper spray, knives, stun gun, and a firearm down here in Pasadena, Texas.
Thank you for your service!! 🇺🇸
I’ve taken out my phone and pretend to text or call someone if I think someone is following me. It seems to help me. Thanks for your great tips to protect ourselves from the creeps of the world!
Did this in the car (before cell phones) person took off like a bat out of hell.
This can be both a good and bad idea. You have to assess the situation correctly, yet promptly. In today's atmosphere, pretending to get on the phone can definitely deter a potential threat. On the other hand, it may cause the threat to decide to take action even faster before your "help" is on the way. Some criminals, in fact, would take that chance.
With all due respect, that's not a good move. For a variety of reasons.
@@Arturo-p1g4y Would you elaborate?
@@Arturo-p1g4y Why pretend? Don't bluff if you have no plan.
I'm 57 & I take public transportation so I'm always walking around town. I always walk with a purpose not fast , not slow. I keep my peripheral vision is always alert.
Algorithm served this up to me because I was followed at night in a large market in South America. Be aware everyone, it happens when you least expect it.
I recently found your channel. I'm going to show my daughter (23) and granddaughters (8,11,12) your videos!! Thank u for doing these.
I have taken pictures of a potential assailant for future police references. It worked in my case to make them stop what they were doing.
Im very happy your wife is safe.
Thank you for the very informative and much needed education.
God bless you and yours!
First of all. Glad your wife is safe. Even with a firearm things can go wrong. I have had that feeling many times in my life, not only the feeling of being followed, but also with someone approaching me on the sidewalk walking the opposite way I am walking. What I instinctively do is just put one of my hands into my jacket pocket as if I am holding onto a weapon. Yes, it is nothing more than a bluff, but to this day I am thankful I have always returned safely to my dwelling places.
Thank you, I'll remember that ❤
@@highlovevibration Thank you too. Best to you and loved ones in the new year.
I was thinking today is a fake gun better than no gun? I think so.
@@jakejudson8578 Do you really want someone else to think you are holding a real gun and feel their life is in peril? If they have a real gun on them, you will probably be shot.
Depending oh what your wearing , maybe put your hand in your bag , like you could be pulling anything out. A kobatan or a biro , my mum use to say even a key can be used like that. A security guard was telling me about pressure points that really hurt. Good to know some of these like a karate like chop under the nose. Is he said one of those points.
Great video. Schools really need to teach more of this.
I carry a little personal alarm with me. When you pull the pin the noise it makes is so loud, hopefully keeps any stalkers away.
I would add, never go home. Major kudos to your wife. Blessings - Judith 🎭🎤
Never drive to your house, but if you are followed walking into an apartment building and do get inside safely, do not assume it's over. DO NOT turn on any of your lights when you enter your apartment or go near the windows. Creeps have been known to stand outside buildings and watch for the lights to go on or see you draw the curtains to know which floor/apt you are living in. Wait or do whatever you have to do to make sure you are not sending any signals from your windows. Even in the daytime. Remember, he can get inside the building with the next person who unlocks the main door and be at your door in minutes.
@@JoaninFlorida So very true. Good point about the lights and curtains.
I'm always accutely aware of everything and everyone around me, it's so ingrained that it's instinctive. I'm subconsciously observing and threat assessing everyone.
Been teaching my kids how to be observant and pay attention to their surroundings, never walk with headphones and their faces stuck in their phones.
if you have sons teach them to ensure females are safe and for them not to get close to them when walking alone. we will call police if men get suspicious
I usually am but I slip every now and then ..I try to always be vigilant but slip sometimes..
In the city, I was followed often. One day 2 guys followed me in their car, pulled up next to me, the passenger got out and tried dragging me in the car. It was in the middle of a busy intersection in downtown MPLS...nobody actually tried to help because they all had their minds on whatever they were doing. I'm just glad I was taught how to escape when both hands are grabbed by a Guardian Angel (citizen street patrol) the day prior. I learned not to walk too close the the car side of the street. Another tip, the more you try to appear passive/meek/shy and giggle/laugh, the more aggressive and entitled they will get. Be loud! Don't be afraid to walk up to a group of people and pretend you know them to shake people off. They will understand. Oh yeah, I found it was better NOT to make eye contact, because they would usually take that as an invitation to interact with me. NOPE.
Horrifying! Glad you're ok now. I too get followed on the daily. I have several situations that cops needed to be called. You really have to be aware at all times.
Thanks for educating folks how to stay safe. The life you save may be your own!!!
As a young mother with a baby and toddler, I was getting them out of my car, and had already set up the stroller. We were in a small town parking lot in an area of old brick shops when a male approached, he came to the side of my car I wasn't on. I quickly got my children situated and he tried to get on the same side of the car I was on. I locked (push button lock-old car) and shut the door and moved away from him to the other side of my car, he followed. I crossed the street quickly and went into a busy store. Getting to the counter, I told the clerk. She sent the security man in the store out and he saw the man of my description get on a city bus that had just arrived. This was in the early 80s, no cell phones. I was shaken, but determined to get my children and myself to safety.