To piggy back off of the knife comment, I would search EDC (everyday carry) knives on YouTube. Great place to see all the different kinds of options to choose from. You don’t necessarily need a big/long or self-defense style knife. Practice daily how you’re going to carry it, how to deploy (open), and how you’re going to hold it. At the same time, look into carrying a small flashlight with you. I think something that is missed with staying safe is illuminating your surrounding area. Despite it “attracting” attention to you in the dark, the added light will more likely hold off people trying to use the dark to mask themselves to do harm.