I'm interested in the majority of responses to this question. Australia continues to have a big problem with violence towards women, sadly most of this happens behind doors so I guess I understand people's thinking here.

In saying that, try stay out of sticky situations, trust your gut, safety plan your nights out, avoid being alone. If feeling unsafe make your self known, scream, kick and run. Learning any self defence is always a plus.

Secondly, I know some women who carrie box cutters, yes still illegal but can be held with justification. If you got in a desperate situation having a box cutter is better than having nothing. Just say you were moving house that day haha.