Do you worry about becoming a victim of violent crime? Do you take steps to protect yourself and how do they interfere with your everyday life?
Those were the questions we asked iVillagers as part of a new iVillage campaign on crime and personal safety. Read on to find out what you had to say...

Kirstin's story
'This is a question close to my heart as every day my life is affected by the fear of violent crime. When I was 15 (I'm 32 now) my mum and dad's house was broken into and they were both attacked by a man with a crowbar. Both had to have stitches in their head, my mum also had to have stitches in her arm. The attacker received a life sentence and has gone on to murder someone in jail. He is now is a secure unit for the most dangerous men in the country.

'Although I was not personally hurt in the attack I did run in and see the man in our kitchen - it was 7.30 in the morning. The effect of that attack has never left me. I am terrified to stay in houses on my own (especially my mum and dad's). When I lived in shared houses, and even when I moved in with a (now ex-) boyfriend a few years ago I would become hysterical if I knew I was going to be the only one in overnight. I would shake, cry and after checking every door and window five times would literally have to go to bed. Once there I couldn't get up in the night to go to the loo.

'Luckily I have very understanding friends who often came to my rescue. I have lived alone for 18 months now and cope OK. I have a security light outside my entrance door - which is quite secluded - a burglar alarm and a great big lump of wood next to my bed in case the damn thing goes off (an even more frightening feeling as I discovered after my parents had one installed). The burglar alarm has at least taken away that terrifying feeling of opening my front door and wondering who is on the other side. Other ghosts still haunt me though.

'All that said, I have to admit that I am guilty of getting into unlicensed cabs and I often shudder and beat myself up at the thought of myself stumbling around London after one too many or falling asleep on the tube. I hate that my life is dominated by this fear. It's all very well to say violent crime is rare and, having been affected by it myself aside, I certainly wouldn't challenge a kid in the street anymore if I saw them dropping litter. I pray that I would still have the strength to step in if I saw a child being bullied (I have done this before) or an innocent person attacked although, as they say on the ads, "I don't know if I could do that".

'You really don't know what could happen these days. It makes me so sad.'

Fear of attack
Many women admit to being afraid of attack and recognise that the fear does influence their daily lives.

'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