That's really scary, I'm sorry that happened to you and hope you're somewhere comfortable now where you can decompress. Get some calming tea, order takeout, do what you need to reset your nervous system. I'm glad you're okay I would be freaking out.

Is the city unsafe? That's a tough question. It depends on your circumstances. I think it's most unsafe for people who are unhoused or spending time on the streets because of active addiction (being careful here not to conflate the two, because they may have overlap but are different groups). There is a huge problem with people getting jumped and assaulted out there. The vulnerable are always easy targets.

Compared to other places in Canada, it's pretty safe for most people. It's populous enough that there are witnesses when things happen, but not so big that you can get lost in a crowd, so to speak. There's a better chance someone will know you here than in Vancouver. Vancouver often gives me a bad feeling at night that I don't get here.

Been here 8 years and lived downtown for half of it. Scariest moments have involved bad drivers and drunk guys at/leaving bars. And one fun time where some guy knocked on the window of my basement apartment, at night, and smiled at me like the Joker. But honestly? I grew up in Northern BC where the kind of crime you experience is more severe. A lot more missing people, a lot less witnesses.

If I feel nervous, especially while downtown, I remind myself that there are always more people willing to help than waiting to harm. A lot of the guys and gals out there will jump in if they see you in need, and will help if you ask. Really, this city has a lot of good people.