Safety while travelling alone

[FlyboyAl]

We were at a conference in the US and a friend of our was elected international President.
This meant she would be visiting countries around the world as part of her "job"
At a later meeting she went up to my wife and asked her what sort of protection she carried.
As an aside, we live in Adelaide.
Catherine was a little confused about the question and when she asked some questions, the new lady showed her the .32 pistol she always carried in her purse!!!!!!!!!!
When we told her the rules in Australia, she could not believe it.
She still came to Oz, without the pistol.
But her fear was real in the US - she was about 5ft 6in and a very attractive lady.
I also recall visiting a Fry's store and seeing Tasers on the hang sell rack, and most outdoor stores sell bear spray in small containers.
I'm not saying it is the way to go, but if it is an issue, maybe buy one of these on arrival, and dump it when you leave.
I'm sorry you had that experience, but mental health is a problem world wide, and as there seem to be no votes in it, none of the pollies really care.

 

[Blackadder]

Great to hear you are ok, and that there was someone who came to your assistance.
As a solo traveler , the only time I've felt uncomfortable was my first trip to Los Angeles walking along Hollywood Bvd at night.
Can't put my finger on it , but had the feeling I was being followed by a couple of people. Even when I went into a shop to try and lose them, they were there to follow me when I came out.
Thankfully made it back to my Hotel, but definitely had me on a heighten awareness of mu surroundings for the rest of the time there.

 

[JIMMYTHEJET]

Don’t post on social media

 

[VPS]

Don’t post on social media

How will that help if you’re accosted in the street

 

[Quickstatus]

There seemed to be many women's self-defence classes in the 90's, are they still a thing?

SD classes are IMO a generally waste of time unless it is frequently rehearsed and practiced. Just like CPR, unless there is recency, it does not help.
The best SD course IMO is the Gracie "Women Empowered" . They run these courses in various Australian cities.