Women and Violent Crime: stories from iVillagers

'I am very wary of attack,' says Tissy60. 'Very rarely do I go out after dark by myself. Also my partner often works away leaving me at home with our four children. I never take them out at night. I'm also very wary where our 13-year-old daughter is concerned. It is very worrying when you can't even be sure of trusting taxi drivers.'

'Thankfully, nothing has ever happened to me, but I am very aware of the risks,' adds Anongirluk. 'I won't walk home on my own after about 9.30pm at night because most of my 15 minute walk is in the dark. Instead, I get a taxi - and either just a black cab or a minicab company that I trust. At the same time, whenever I am walking home, I am always aware of anyone near or behind me and usually check before entering my building. I also have four locks on my door (though they were there when I moved in) and only feel safe once I have locked myself in and checked the flat thoroughly to make sure it is safe. I often wonder if it's overkill, but I guess I would rather be sure.'

iVillager Detak sums it up. 'I am usually very conscious of my surroundings and the amount of people around me in a particular location (the less people, the more fearful I become). I definitely have a fear of being attacked - especially being a woman. I must always remember to remain on my guard, because the moment I let it down or assume "nothing will happen to me", inevitably something will. Thankfully, nothing has yet happened. I'd like to think that one day I will feel safe no matter where I go, but I don't think that day will ever come.'

One iVillager asked for help: 'I have recently had someone sleeping in my shed. It is kept locked but the 'person' took the door hinges off. I reported the incident to the police who were unable to help or offer any advice. What are women supposed to do?'

Safety tips from iVillagers