A friend just highlighted this story..

http://www.zug4you.ch/brave_34_year_...re_attack.html

I frequently walk home at all hours of the night with a complete sense of safety. Just a reminder that we, especially the ladies if late at night, still need to be careful. And kick and scream, apparently!

As I said multiple times here on the EF. Crimes get under-reported in Switzerland. In fact, it's not as cozy as some of you may think it is. Always be aware of your surroundings and try not to walk home by yourself.

Hope they find the maggot!

"He was described as being between 30 and 40 years old, about 175 centimetres tall and of slim to medium build. He had short dark straight hair with dark eyes and dark, rather bushy eyebrows. He was clean shaven, of neat appearance and smartly dressed with no particular distinguishing features. However, he was aggressive and prepared to use force."

No doubt appearing on the SVP's next "immigrants out" poster.

Frankly, I'd prefer that I found him myself. This kind of thing disgusts me.

already has...

No, that guy was balding with a beard. I can see that you're no sleuth when it comes to Cluedo....

Both the same in the SVP's eyes...

Thanks for sharing the story. It happened within a few meters from my home and I happen to be the same age as the victim. I walk through that park every single day, sometimes late too. Spooky.

Anyone know where I can buy some pepper spray? I think I'll be brushing up on my karate too.

IMO, do what you'd do in London. Carry a weapon of some sort. It can be anything, even a metal spoon. The only trick is, you have to walk with it in your hand. In your purse does no good.

My handbag is, on occasion, heavy enough to knock out someone

When it is late, I carry my keys in my fist with one sticking on son I can strike someone with it if I need to. I've also stayed on the phone to my husband who would be there in a few seconds if something happened, but being on the phone might make me more of a target.

I feel like printing out the story and posting it around where it happened so that people know to take more care in that area. Even if it just gets the footfall into town one morning / afternoon before someone removes it it will be seen by many people. Should I do it?

I always walk with my house key between my first two fingers (sharp bit facing out) when I'm on my own. Only problem with this is the need to change my locks if I leave my key embedded in someones face.

EDIT: beaten by MarieZug (not physically I hasten to add)

My boyfriend bought me a pepper spray to have when I walk home late alone. I carry it discreetly in my hand, but thankfully I have never had to use it. I do have a friend who has used pepper spray twice.

The pepper soray was bought in Bern, in a shop that sells army knives.

Why do women think the can fight a grown man?
Learn how to make evasive moves and hold a defending stance. That key in your hand will do nothing as your purse will hold you back and therefore, can't build up decent momentum to land a punch.

Do you happen to know the name for it in German? Is it Pfefferspraydose ??

Yes, or simply Pfefferspray.

I hold my key in a fist with the key pointed upwards so I can strike backwards to the face if they grab me from behind. My next move would be a left elbow, an upwards kick in the groin then I would make a run for it.

Disable and leg it. Best advice I got from my many years of martial arts. I'll try and get some pepper spray today too.

My purse is across my body, not hanging from my arm.

I agree with the evasive moves and defending stance thing though. There is also something to be said about instincts. If you feel unsafe or you see someone that looks shifty to you, then trust the feeling and get to a safe place pronto!

I've done the key in the hand too. The point not being to throw a punch but to precisely get maximum impact on minimum surface.

I'm sorry, why does a woman "think" she can fight a grown man? Well, because she doesn't want to get raped.

Read the article. If she hadnt kicked and screamed and acted like she was going to put up a fight (don't underestimate the power of teeth and scratch marks in the right places), the story might have ended differently.

Having said that some rapists look for the fight and apparently lose interest.

Chemical castration might deter a few.

The only thing that scares me about fighting back is if they have a knife. I'm really not sure how I'd react if someone put a knife to my neck