Sandwich, IL USA Unfortunately, yes. I spent some time married to a man who resorted tophysical abuse when he felt mentally threatened. Two of my stepsons have threatened violence. Jill, 61
Saylorsburg, PA USA Sometimes. I am definitely more cautious now than when I was younger. I get a bit apprehensive when I go in NYC and I am not sure where I am going. I work in Newark, NJ which is not the safest of places. So I remain alert when I am getting off the train and walking downtown. Janet, 44
E. Brunswick, NJ USA That was a common and justified fear growing up. Can't say it's happened lately. Alias Irrelevante Yes -- I was mugged once. The boys knocked me to the ground, and I feared further attacks, but they just took my handbag and ran. Jane, 62
West Linn, OR USA I have lived in many "sketchy" areas, travelled cross-country on my own and moved freely in all sorts of environments. I have had very little fear about physical harm. However, I now find myself casually connected to a person who has major beefs with me and have to admit that he strikes me as someone who could easily beat me up if angered. I don't like the feeling at all. Felicia, 36
Lowell, MA USA Yes, especially when it is late at night and I am in a dangerous area. I usually don't put myself in that predicament, but it does happen once in a while on accident. Melodi, 19
Gahanna, OH USA I live in NYC, so it's a real fear that I should have, but I have an enormous sense of security here. Part of it is that I never let myself be in a vulnerable situation alone. When I'm not alone, I know that only 1 person in that entire crowd is likely to be a mugger, so everyone's in the same boat. I come from a small college town, though, and I'm usually more afraid there. A lot of girls get raped walking home from night classes. I think I'm just as unsafe in my small hometown as I am in NYC. Fear is something I can't let show, though, because my chances of being assulted are certainly greater. Carry yourself like you might be the perpetrator and you're not likely to be a victim. Emily
NYC, NY USA Very much so...on several occasions (mostly when I was a teen). Kinda goes with the territory of growing up in a huge, multi-cultural city during the 60's and early 70s when extreme racial issues were a big part of everyday existence. It's also a part of marrying a wing-nut with major issues! That was like sitting on a powder keg while holding a match. I don't worry about such things anymore. Fisch, 46
Preston, CT USA Of course, I live in Houston. Laney
TX USA yeah, when i went to Robzombie and Megedeth wearing a bright yellow girls tanktop and red converse sneakers. That and i cut about two hours ahead in the line. A-Dog, 19
McMinnville, OR USA I'm a woman, I've been afraid several times in my life. One instance: I had a friend ditch me for her boyfriend at 1 AM on University campus. I had no way to get home but to walk alone for about 2 miles. Thankfully nothing happened, but I was freaked the whole time. I've been stranded in other more hideous places a couple of times. I try to not let that happen. Triana, 29
Austin, TX USA I have been physically assaulted, so yes, I am very afraid of that. Sapphire, 31
Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA No, not even after I was attacked. You can be a victim, or Refuse To Be A Victim (tm), and I refuse. I know how to defend myself. Nicci, 27
Las Vegas, NV USA When I first moved to this area 12 years ago, I unknowingly moved to a bad part of town. I had to walk home 1/2 mile from the bus stop every night and was always very frightened. I carried a little compressed air horn in my purse in case I needed it. Needless to say, we moved out of there as soon as possible. Reba, 50+
Silver Spring, MD USA Yes, I have been. I think it's a natural part of being a female (being afraid of assault, that is). Keri-Jade, 21
Brampton, Ontario CANADA I've never been afraid of being assaulted, but I have been worried that I was going to get my ass kicked by a much bigger guy... but that happens sometimes. I usually find a way to talk my way out of it and have yet had someone really pummel me. Doug2, 29
Overland Park, KS USA All the time. It is part of the charm of living in a big city. Nicole2, 20
Jackson, FL USA Not afraid but I think that this one girl wants to kick my ass. She won't though, she's all talk. But if she were to try, I wouldn't let her. Patty, 19
San Marcos, TX USA I don't know-I'm aware that it's always a possibility, but I've never really worried too much about it. Angela, 18
Bella Vista, AR USA I suppose I have. . . Karen, 22
Ames, IA USA Yes, but fortunately I wasn't. Laura, 37
Lowell, MA USA Hmm. No, not for a long time. I used to go to school with a girl who was constantly threatening to beat me up, but that was in middle school. Johanna, 18
OK USA Yes! Nearly every time I walk around hand in hand with another boy, I feel threatened by at least one person we encounter. Eric, 19
Beverly Hills, CA USA Being over six foot tall, not usually. Ryan, 28
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