Statistically, young men are far more likely to be the victim of assault and violence than young women, so imo if I had to say which was more vulnerable, I'd have to say boys. A single punch can kill.
Are you saying a single punch couldn't kill a woman?
You're completely misinterpreting statistics. I will assume it's just naivety.
Just because men get assaulted more, does not mean that it's safer for a woman to walk alone than it is for a man. Women are much more likely to heed the advice of staying in a group. It is relatively uncommon for a woman to actually walk home alone.
I have been targeted, harassed, and followed while walking alone. I have been left alone while with a friend (yes it was a girl if details are important). I have had someone try to start a fight with me once (really, I just laughed and told him he would win which shut him down). DH has been targeted and followed while walking alone, and yes people have tried to start fights with him. In a group, no one said a thing. In fact when we've been together we've both been left alone.
But let's not stupidly pretend that women are safer alone then men. I'd say a woman walking alone is probably more vulnerable and open to harassment than a man walking alone.
The point is, regardless of gender, there is safety in numbers and we need to stop telling boys they need to be tough so they don't feel silly calling a friend to walk to the store with them.