General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Patton Oswalt: What gun owners think they look like... [View all]spin
(17,493 posts)she is "regularly attacked and accosted by people."
Realistically in any large urban areas there are high crime and low crime neighborhoods. Obviously a woman walking home at 1 am in a high crime area is at greater risk than if she were in a low crime area. Still street crime can happen anywhere.
It's not a bad idea for any woman who commonly walks alone at 1 am to consider some self defense measures. Perhaps she might consider getting some quality pepper spray, or taking a self defense course. A legally concealed handgun is an option but handguns are not for everybody. Owning and carrying a handgun involves great responsibility and safety training. Becoming proficient with a handgun takes dedication and range time.
One of the best techniques for avoiding an attack on the street is to practice situational awareness. A simple explanation of this tactic is to say that it means not walking down the street with a cell phone glued to your ear, but to be aware of your surroundings and those in it.