Have uk cities really became this unsafe?

[Electricblankettime]

I live in a small town and love the countryside life. Recentlhly had to go to a big city. Groups of men hanging around staring like thry had never seen a woman before were intimidating so overly persistent men approaching and following felt terrifying. Men pestering when minding my own business and scaring me.

I thought it was a one of freak thing but when discussing with other women they have said thars just what its like now. I feel very naive as where I live I can go anywhere at any hour and feel safe. When did the world change? Ive travelled worldwide and aa a solo female plenty and never had problems like this. Not been into a city for years and it feels so different.

Do other women feel safety in cities has changed o was I just unlucky?

My city is not like this at all.

If other womens experiences are different from mine that's great and reassuring. I actually found my experience quite tramatic so maybe replying its not your experience would be kinder than making fun of me. Thanks

No but Russia wants everyone to believe it.

Can u explain the Russian thing as your the second person to have mentioned it? Is Russia putting out propaganda about our cities safety?

You are being accused of being a Russian bot (or something like that), OP. Par for the course if you write about certain things on here, I'm afraid. I'm sorry you felt intimidated. I would assume that there are certain places where this is a common occurrence, just as there are many others that still feel safe.

Thanks for replying kindly. Defo not a Russian bot but suppose that's what a Russian bot would say. I would have thought women would believe another women ans have some empathy but until your response I just felt really attacked for raising the issue. Glad to hear some cities are safer and maybe there is just particular ones to avoid

Quoting the OP "I feel very naive as where I live I can go anywhere at any hour and feel safe."

Has it not always been the case though that care and precautions are taken everywhere ? Walking back from the pub in the wee hours for example. Is the same awareness not needed in a small town as a large city.

In the UK, I don't think it's certain cities but a combination of certain spots and luck of the draw. I certainly underwent this in various towns & cities as a young woman, and that was 50 years ago!

Patriarchal values are flexing their muscles at the moment, with the rise of the 'manosphere' and the arrival of more men from deeply patriarchal cultures. I think women are more likely to feel objectified & harassed than has been the case in recent decades. It's by no means everywhere, though, or anywhere at all times.

While I'm generally in favour of marching through groups of sleazy men - they have to get used to women doing their own thing, like it or not - it isn't always safe or reasonable. If with female companions, yes, I'd definitely advocate assertive behaviour. If you're on your own or with a child, go around them.

You'll be okay.

No, because there aren't any crowds!

As you must be aware, Russia has been putting out huge amounts of disinformation online about the UK for their own propaganda purposes, due to our support of Ukraine. One of the main ones is that the UK is now so dangerous and lawless that everywhere is a no-go area.

Where did you visit where endless groups of men stared at you, out of interest?

Maybe your right about that. I suppose I still would take main routes with lighting walking home in my town now you've mentioned it. Was reduced to tears a couple pf times and in the city with men over the couple of days. Dont ever remember that happening here. I think im still unpacking it in my head as it was all quite alot. Maybe just unlucky if other woman are saying nothings changed. The people I know in real life I spoke to abput it said its what thr worlds like now but maybe they just said to make me feel less stupid as I do feel stupid not being able to walk about myself

I guess it maybe depends on the city and where you are in it. I've just returned from a weekend alone in London, mainly in the centre and didn't have this experience at all, even after dark. Although I wouldn't be walking alone after midnight in any city.

In my smallish home town its gangs of teenage girls who are the worst, willing to shout a critique of your looks and call you a fat slag if you so much as glance in their direction.

Which city was it? I live a couple of miles from my nearest city centre and have lived, socialised and worked in a number of other UK cities and haven't had this experience.

I live in South London and this certainly isn't my experience. What city was this?

Name the city

Sure Jan

Don't understand. Are you making fun of me for enjoying a more rural setting to stay in? I hope your not as it would be distasteful to make fun of a woman sharing she was frightened by men in a woman's forum

What city was this?

What ethnicity/ies were these men?

Yes, please tell us “the city” you speak of op. You seem very reluctant to name it.

The city was Taganrog and the men were Russian intellectuals.