To carry hairspray in my pocket

[Cocktailsonthebeachy]

and a big stick…when I go on dog walks, just me and my 6 year old.

I live next to woods and fields, a beautiful place and usually Dh and I take the dog there and our 6 year old, I always feel very relaxed and happy when it’s all of us.

Occasionally if Dh is working late all week, I go on my own with Dd and DDog and I put a small hairspray in my pocket and usually pick up a large stick on my walk from the ground
I don’t find these walks relaxing and it annoys me that I can’t feel as free. It’s unlikely anything were to happen, but if it did, it would be hard for anyone to hear me shout or to get to a safer point quickly

Is it normal to think/act like this? Would you do the same, would you even go in the woods in the first place?

A policeman once recommended this to me, after I called to report being threatened by a group of teenagers on my way back from the tube. It was in better funded days - they came to the flat next day to check on me.

What did he recommend to you? Hairspray?

I’ve got a shepherds crook longer than a walking stick and a rape alarm that sprays red foam that dyes whatever it hits

But I also walk a 40kg German shepherd who hates men and loves his momma so I’m probably ok

If I walked a chihuahua I’d rethink my walk area for sure

My friends daughter carries this. She works in a pub and has to deal with all types when it’s time to close up

https://www.get-personal.co.uk/collections/farbgel-sprays

Someone was raped during the day near me. Walking her dog alone through the local country park. It’s unusual but I don’t blame you for taking precautions.

Deep heat x

I seriously can't believe people are suggesting you are being over anxious! I (used to) run and only ran on main roads or through a busy park for this reason. I would have loved to have gone along the river and more into the country but wouldn't have been able to relax. It's a massive shame that we have to consider these things but better to be realistic than dead or traumatised.

This is 👍🏻.

A rape alarm might be better. They’re really loud, and easily fitted in the palm of your hand or pocket.

What you really need is some deep heat spray.

Obviously for your knee pain that flairs up when you're out walking 🤫😉 much more effective that hairspray.

I bloody hate the fact that women can’t walk where we want without fear

Amazon sell sprays that emit a stench and will dye an attacker in red or purple for 72hrs (uv light) and they're legal in the UK. Studies have found that shouting "Fire" has a better result regarding help than calling "help or rape".

Yes to the deep heat, or fly spray. I used to have a heavy dog chain, if I felt uneasy I'd wrap it around my hand.

I dont feel fear just because I am female

Hairspray and a big stick eh?! That’ll show em! Seriously it will do bugger all even if you actually get to use it. In all likelihood if you were to get attacked you’d be faffing around with the hairspray.

Don’t go in the woods, pay for a dog walker. There are other options that will work.

I wouldnt walk in such an isolated place alone.

I feel like there might be lots of bugs in those woods, so you need to carry a small can of insect repellent. Just in case the bugs start biting you, of course!

It's not irrational for a woman to be anxious when secluded. Just because many women have never had adverse experiences, doesn't mean they don't exist. If you haven't, lucky you.

Hair spray won't do anything. Take pepper spray. Although what sort of dog do you have, why can't that protect you? I thought that was the point of having a dog

Hairspray can save your life! I literally saved my life once with body spray. If sprayed straight to eyes- believe me, person will need A&E.

I think the best thing you can do is always tell people where you are going, your route, when you will be leaving and when you aim to return (Michael Moseley would still be with us if he'd done this)

I would also consider self defence class. If you were unlucky enough to be attacked in the woods, it'll probably be from behind with a lot of force and impossible to think "oh hang on, where's that spray".

I’m not sure if I envy you for your peace of mind or worry about you as you will be vulnerable whether you feel it or not.

I wouldn’t take a 6 year old child somewhere I felt unsafe.

Can’t you just walk somewhere else?