How I Stay Safe in NYC | women’s safety tips, city life + public transportation

Here are some tips on how I stay safe in NYC. As a woman, you understand that certain situations/people hold threats. It’s important to know the signs and what to do. Always educate yourself because when you don’t know what to look out for, it can be dangerous.
More safety tips
www.instructab...
Personal Alarm
www.amazon.com...
Pocket Knife
www.spyderco.c...
Pepper Spray
Buy in a store in NYC or eBay (mace technically can’t be mailed to NYC)
The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker
Best Life Saving Lessons episode on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday
“You know the truth, by the way it feels.”
- Unknown
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[@winterxbluesx]

Yesterday I (young female) wanted to take the elevator in one of the subways in NY but as it opened there was a white, maskless, around 40/45 man with a hoodie and nothing on hand (you know here people usually listen to music/use their phone/have bags or work stuff so I knew that it was a red flag). Basically I stepped aside thinking he wanted to come out,but when he saw me he stepped back and was waiting for me to get in. I didn't and as I was stepping away a nice Asian lady was near and begged me not to go. I obviously walked away with her but I looked back for a second and the man had a creepy as fuck smirk and had his head in between the elevator doors. That gave me the chills and I ended up crying on the way home, and then being really an anxious and paranoid in my own house. Honestly I was so scared, I don't even know what I would've done

[@tnt01]

always trust your instinct.

[@khxliakhxlia3605]

So glad you're okay honey :)

[@Ricky-tr2hd]

I'm from the UK and London is really bad. There's quite a few stabbings and looting in the day! All of this from the group who screams oppression and say they get unfair treatment from the Police. It is a cultural problem with them. They have zero self reflection.

[@sssoundslike2259]

Not sure why you had to mention the race of the person, unless of course, you wanted to make a political statement (white man = bad). Also not exactly sure what the guy did wrong assuming your story is even remotely accurate or entirely made up (highly likely).

[@winterxbluesx]

@@sssoundslike2259 Listen, WHITE MAN, because yes since you thought that giving a mild description of a creep going around in a public place where many people go everyday was an issue, and that you took literally out of nowhere the ‘white man= bad’ thing, I will 100% assume you also have a white, and quite sensitive may I add, ass. I am also a white woman, by the way. If my issue was about race I could’ve probably changed it to a POC, which I didn’t because the thing I wrote about was my own experience as a lonely young woman in a potentially horrible situation, and for you to sway so much from the actual context already tells me all I need to know about you. ‘Not sure what the guy did wrong’ or ‘You made it up’ you really thought you did sum? No because if anything that raises the biggest fucking red flag on you buddy, which tells me also that you’re probably one of those individuals a woman would better be stay away from. Don’t you fucking dare to accuse a woman of lying about harassment again, you piece of sh1t

[@SaikiaWallace]

This is so helpful I’m traveling to nyc and this video definitely is on point

[@ThunderboltSu]

Have fun and be safe 😊

[@khxliakhxlia3605]

I took the bus alone for the first time and I was so thankful that an older man around 40 or 50 had stopped me to tell me to be aware of my surrounding. He even gave me a mask bc of covid amd monkeybox. Definitely couldnt say thank you enough. Although now I'm quite paranoid bc he has warned me about the homeless in the area and I'm quite scared of what could potentially happen to me when they're around (the ones usually on drugs)

[@Kohana07]

One thing I do sometimes if someone is behind me is; if it’s night time with street lights, look at your shadow. Sometimes you can tell how close another person is by how big their shadow is from yours. I also think it’s a good idea to walk by reflective surfaces like cars and windows because it’s another way of glazing behind you without someone knowing. If you already have your phone out, put it on selfie’s camera; another way to discreetly look behind you. I know it’s all just looking behind you but a lot of time people get attacked from behind.

[@susanwilliams6989]

Hi Su Wow, this video really is an eye opener. I have to say a huge thank you for making this one to raise awareness. I used to be afraid of walking home alone at night before I started to take self-defense classes, and I'd like to share some tips that I've leaned from my classes so far with all of your female viewers, which I hope can be of some help. I've recently been taking Krav Maga for women classes for self-defense, and so far I've learned that the best best self-defense targets on a mans body for women (and girls) to attack, and the best ways of striking them are as follows: - the eyes (finger poke them) - the nose (palm heel strike upwards) - the throat (chopping like actions) - the testicles (knee / kick / punch / slap / grab-twist-pull and hold on to them tightly until he collapses and passes out within a matter of seconds) - the knees (sideways kick to dislocate) We always remember "eyes, nose, throat, testicles, knees" or "eyes, nose, throat, balls, knees" I've also been taught that even a trained, determined teenage girl could easily take down a man if she goes for these targets, especially if she goes fast and hard for the eyes or the testicles (or "high balls" and "low balls" as I've also heard them called!) One very powerful technique I also learned is that if a man has removed his trousers and he is about to rape you, then his testicles will now be extremely vulnerable to the "grab, twist, pull and hold" counterattack. You should snatch his balls and keep squeezing and pulling them as hard as you can until he passes out in under 8 seconds - and I've been taught that he will , no matter how big and strong he is. You can even use both hands, and it's still just as effective even if you only manage to get hold of one testicle. Apparently, when a man has his testicles forcefully squeezed it causes him to curl over, collapse, convulse and quickly lose all of his strength before he collapses and passes out or goes into shock in under 8 seconds. Most importantly this holds true no matter how big and strong he is - a wonderful natural advantage we females have in combat over men. Surely this is something we should all be made aware of and we should all be taught how to do it! I really wish that more women and girls were made aware of effective ways to fight back - in particular I wish they were made more aware of this "ball grab and hold" technique. From what I've read and been taught it has literally saved many women throughout the world. The women of Somalia even have a name for this move and they call it "Qworegoys". Mothers teach their daughters to reach under their attackers tunic and grab, twist, and pull his testicles until he passes out, and to also tuck their head in until the point he loses consciousness in case he initially starts to fight back. We, as women, really can fight back effectively, stay safe, and lessen our fears if we know how and where to strike on an attackers body and most importantly, learn how to "fight dirty" ❤

[@freethesoft1088]

Thank you for this! Really helpful ❤

[@FierySpiritMaury]

Thanks so much for giving advice to women out there. There’s so many naive people who go out there. It’s important to protect yourself. It sucks that we have to live in a world where we have to protect ourself from ourselves.

[@cristal4142]

Thank you for the advice! I am moving to the city and wanted to make sure I stay safe. I got the alarm siren too, that’s a really good idea to have. P.s. I love your burst of giggles ☺️ super adorable

[@recondrop1]

This opened my eyes a lot to what women have to deal with. Thank you.

[@xxcabbagedevourer420xx4]

I mean men are victims of violent crimes more so either way you’re screwed

[@tasfiazaman1164]

I live in nyc and it’s really scary. When I walk my dog at 10pm I get really scared. But my bf walks his dog at midnight and he’s fine

[@ellona3645]

When I was 19, I lived alone at Queens during my internship & the men are a whole nother level of creepiness. Doing an exchange there again & prioritizing safety this time!!! Especially since I'm an Asian woman & heard the crime rates went up.

[@ginnyjones7120]

Thunderbolt Su, I've lived in the woods for basically my whole life. I'm getting ready to move to a big city by myself. These tips are really helpful, so thank you for posting this!

[@dj_jolie_official]

Ugh girl I get you . This video sums up the struggles of being a women. Wouldn't it be great though if there was a world where us women didn't have to think about all this. I don't see men thinking about man I who to sit next to on public transportation or how men need to document every single person they meet. Also personal alarms don't see men being like i need that. LIke ugh.

[@Ricky-tr2hd]

Even being a man I wouldn't want to be there as you'll potentially get mugged. The main pepertators ask for police defunding.

[@mstwelvedeadlycyns]

What about girls against other women? Shanquella Robinson is dead now!

[@asiananxiety753]

Thank you so much for making this! I just moved to nyc and as a 5’1 Asian woman who has to take the subway to work, I’m very nervous. This video is so helpful!

[@Peacelily22]

All the best and stay safe 💗 I’ve been working in a Asian country where there are still creeps around but the men definitely keep to themselves more. I’ve come to realise Asian culture tend to keep to themselves more and are generally not very outspoken. The most they do is just stare. I’m scared to move to NYC cos i heard more stories where men stalk and shout degrading stuff to women. Im very petite so that doesnt help either :(

[@PraveenSrJ01]

Please stay safe and all the best to you

[@thatsthat8421]

I live in Ireland in the countryside but I'm super paranoid about being anywhere in public alone. I'm always looking around myself. Its too bad we feel this way

[@nonchalantnobody]

Is the crime rate lower in the countryside? I've never been to Ireland. I've always wondered about women's safety there

[@nonchalantnobody]

@@lydia3528 Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Do you feel safe as a woman in Ireland?

[@foggycraw6758]

This needs to be talked about more!

[@reignwest7261]

Your channel is really under rated! Thanks for the advice :>

[@thehungarianvixen]

2:40 this! So relatable.

[@hooot8884]

Thank you for all of the great safety tips!

[@editname654]

5:06 lol she said that so casually 🤣

[@charleybartlett7256]

I'm a guy, but I still found this video interesting and informative. I enjoyed the way you put the video together too.

[@HalloHalloo009]

I came from a trip to the beach with my mom and sister. On my way to get the bus with them, this old man that looked about 60-70 stood near us. I immediatley felt something odd about that. I normally dont but the guy was way to close and making eye contact. As me and my mom and sister approached the bus, the bus was empty. So i thought let me sit in the back so that I can see everything in front of me in case this guy could be following us. And GUESS WHAT, Out of every other spot in the bus the guy decided to sit slightly in front of us on the bus. There were 3 other teenage boys talking near by so I was just glas there was other people. A few mins pass by and then more people start to get off the bus. I text my sister and send her a message saying "This guy in front of us is suspicious". A few minutes later the creepy guy infront of us at the back of the bus decides to SOT NEXT TO ME only about one seat away. I WAS SCARED WHEN I TELL YOU, My heart was pouuunding. I then text my mom the same thing and she textes me back "Lets move to the front of the bus". So we get up and move. If you ever feel someone is following u and your about to go to the bus, PLEASE sit at the front. Your closer to the driver and people in the back can even see what happens in case anything does happen. At the front your more likely to encounter more people and are safer then a less crowded place like in the back of the bus in this case. I got home safely thanks go God who was protecting me. Things like that leave me tramatized and paraniod 😭 Hope you guys are all safe ❤

[@MissBubbles]

This is amazing thank you so much for sharing these and please make more tips. It's also for us girl who want to travel abroad to study. No city is safe anymore. Knowing these tips and tools are crucial

[@lynnec3372]

Apprecuate your tips. I am a native NY’r who moved to Fl for 20 yrs and will be coming back to travel RN. I am now middle aged and used to my car. Vigilance is important. I think NYC is in mental health free for all the crazy subway attacks of late. My old aunty told me to carry a sock(long) full of pennies.

[@diannerussell9653]

This is a good video. I am 60 years of age and I still get deranged men young and old hit on me. I usually don’t look at people when I am out. There’s also a lot of people with psychosis wondering around and they’re not on any medication for it either even when they are they are still crazy. I avoid men in the street I usually cross the road or go in a different direction if I’m alone walking and they’re coming towards me or behind me I’ve also got two creeps living opposite me one in the unit next to me and the other in the unit on the other side of me living in my apartment block. I had a very deranged nut job living up stairs who was a Paranoid schizophrenic who was quite scary. I have had land lords wanting to come into my apartment with a bottle of wine in their hand thinking that I was some kind of good time girl. These men were harassing other women in the building as well so we all got together and made an official complaint to body corporate. They are all quiet well behaved now. We don’t have to say hello to men when they say hello, in fact it’s sending a message out to them that this lady is smart and confident. All men are sexually charged creatures looking for free sex all the time. I think all of them are retards.

[@RedVelvetUnderground333]

Everyone do whatever u feel is needed to be safe, doesn’t matter what ppl think ur safety comes first cu time and time again we are gona have to protect ourselves

[@imbecca8100]

I’m a gay girl with short hair, I don’t live in NYC but sometimes I like to visit and go to queer bars, I just feel super insecure riding subways and walking. What I do is cover up everything and then I look more like a boy, I wish we didn’t have to worry about it.

[@CupcaKeSwurL]

This was really helpful!! Thank you!!

[@OGSweet-vm2ru]

Great tips, I really never thought about the scaffolding

[@Tanya-vc6bp]

Also, when you're searching for your car in a parking lot, don't use the car key to alert you of its position, just make sure to memorise the place where you parked your car before you leave the parking lot. A nearby intruder would get alerted that you're coming.

[@abeautifulfridgeandmore5673]

I'm a 17 years old from Italy, I need to use the train for moving around... I lost count of how many middle aged mens have checked me out or harassed me even in day time. the trains at late hours (7 pm maximum) are the most dangerous , encountered 6 creeps in only 7 trips.

[@BeeBee-fj5ef]

thank ypu for this so much, i ride trains and such a lot and ive already had a creepy encounter, this is rly helpfull thank you another thing, i 100% agree woth the idea of looking of where you sit. i was once in a car where i was basiclly surrounded by creepy men. i was cluting my pepper spray the entire time cuz it was only us. it was 4pm. so it can happen whenever

[@VicEsp-ks3ho]

This was the most helpful video I've seen yet, and I've been watching many. Thank you for the advice. Where im from its extremely safe even at night or at 3am and I havent had to think of these type of things!

[@OneInAMillion31]

Thank you so much for this 💗

[@calistaj2284]

When I went out with my dad to practice parking in a parking lot literally right around the corner from my neighborhood that still has cars parked but not as busy this one car literally pulls up,tinted windows,parks in the parking lot and just sits there. After a while it leaves. Then kid you not another car pulls up off to the side,I'm still practicing parking and it just sits there for a while. Longer than the previous car,tinted windows. My dad tells me to drive around the parking lot and try parking again. Once that person realizes I'm not going anywhere they finally give up and leave. It was really annoying to have to deal with especially since my dad always makes me get out and look to see if I'm going to make it. I have no idea why BOTH the cars that just so happened to have tinted windows were just sitting there without getting out and meanwhile I'm just trying to learn how to park.

[@natcat4023]

Thank you for helping spread awareness ❤

[@calistaj2284]

I went to the pizza place to pick up a pizza. My mom is still teaching me how to drive so we were in the car. She let me drive there and told me to go inside and get it which was already pre ordered. So I do as told and when I come out as I'm handing the pizza to her in the passenger seat she tells me this man was starring at me. I get in the car completely creeped by it. She tells me it was a middle aged man. She said he looked to see if I was with someone. As I'm driving back she claims he was in the car and looked again to make sure. This grown ass middle aged man that's my dad's age. 🙄

[@isabelcortazar6721]

Thank you for this!

[@cherylperkins7538]

Don't wait until your car automatically locks. Most cars don't activate until you've driven a few mikes. Think

[@ginnyjones7120]

The only thing that I disagree with in this video is the knife. If you are not absolutely proficient with a knife, don't carry one. If you aren't absolutely proficient with knives, your attacker can easily take your knife from you and use it against you.

[@rexybobexy]

This is why I'm going with my friend

[@katinarohan]

I love all the clips in between!!! The little mouse boss one was hilarious 😂

[@ThunderboltSu]

I love that one too 😂

[@shecrazyhorse3122]

Thanks for sharing 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿❤🥀🥰

[@3893maya]

thank you so much for this

[@mulberrymoth6540]

I appreciate this video so much. Thank you.

[@spikeserverpimp]

I'd recommend learning some jeet kune do, its the best for urban self defense (invented by Bruce Lee)

[@sharskyes4557]

Thank you. Your video is amazing. I learned a lot.

[@negotiable_terms1848]

Does this apply to men also? I've actually been harassed by a homeless man twice asking for money. I had one follow me after changing cars. I can't wait to move out of new york! Great video by the way!

[@bubbybets9336]

yes, applies to everyone. however, it is aimed more towards women because of how common it is to women

[@pikachuthunderbolt3919]

every decent person should follow it

[@hellowhatamidoinghere]

Thank you! I am a visibly queer person I have no choice in looking this way, and today i was in the tram and we got to a stop at a station and there's just 2 guys with the window down sitting in their car laughing and pointing at me and i was really freaked out, so i got my pocket knife ready with sweaty hands just in case, and i got home safely. i was very uncomfortable :((( this shouldn't happen, I'm only a teenager

[@ThunderboltSu]

I'm so glad you listened to yourself and acted smart!! Unfortunately, harassment started at a young age for me too. It makes you smarter for sure but can be a heavy burden to bear when so young. You're not alone!! Stay safe and keep your eyes open. You got this 💪

[@hellowhatamidoinghere]

@@ThunderboltSu Thank you very much

[@bubbybets9336]

dont ever carry a weapon like a knife. 40% of the time, the knife will be used against you by the perpetrators

[@politereminder6284]

💞

[@Sarah-xw2ff]

I carry an umbrella with a really thick wooden handle. If I have to hit harasser in the city, I'll do it. Knives are only useful if you are stronger than the other person as they may try to use it on you. The police tell women this. Palm upwards hard strike into into his nose will stop him long enough for you to escape. Karate chop hard into the throat sideways will work too. Always look behind you and it's safer to walk in in the middle of the street at night so you don't have to pass by dark alleyways.

[@rebekahgarcia1287]

Thank you sm for making this!! your tips are super helpful and the editing’s amazing. i’m going to have to check out the Gift of Fear & listen to that podcast episode in the meantime 👍

[@issasaadiq794]

Even as a man these tips are very helpful, creeps come in all shapes and sizes fr

[@Ss-mr5pj]

Thank u sooo much

[@marianafrancisco7551]

My country right now is like hell with knifes and people killing themselves or creeps all around, and me as a 25 woman im actually even more scared !!!!

[@ninjapirate123]

Leave India and travel overseas

[@vanessa6236]

Yessss same.....creep central. And im in full on cover up gear like the only other thing I can do from there is wear a turtle neck.

[@2cutestan891]

Thank you girl!

[@khxliakhxlia3605]

If I could give this video a million likes I would

[@marianafrancisco7551]

I had and always have creeppy encounters lets say, and i never ever have someone who cares like not a single stranger or an another woman !!!

[@vanessa6236]

Whaaaaaaaaaaat AIRDROP????? Woooooow. You see ladies COVER YOUR CELLPHONES UP . Thanks girl you giving all the tea.

[@k4j4d4libr4]

i'm a 16 y/o girl and i start my first job in two weeks. i have to take the bus by myself to and from work and I'm so scared :(

[@jannah4288]

What will you be doing in your job? Don't show your fear dear. Hold your chin up and look confident. Look into some self defense classes, even just watching videos will do you good. Act the part and soon you won't be 'acting'. Don't be too trusting of anyone, but trust yourself. And always keep your personal stuff personal, don't tell your life story.

[@Peacelily22]

@@jannah4288 I’ve been working in a Asian country where there are still creeps around but the men definitely keep to themselves more. I’ve come to realise Asian culture tend to keep to themselves more and are generally not very outspoken. The most they do is just stare. I’m scared to move to NYC cos i heard more stories where men stalk and shout degrading stuff to women. Im very petite so that doesnt help either :(

[@jannah4288]

@@Peacelily22 don't count yourself unable because you're very petite dear. Learn what you can do - esp to prevent a situation, as this is key.

[@amm0814]

Don’t look or act timid. Act like you can fuck shit up if you need to. Don’t be afraid to speak up and be loud if anyone ever makes you feel uncomfortable or makes weird advances. Most people don’t like attention drawn to themselves if they’re doing something wrong, so if you’re bold and loud, you’ll be able to safeguard yourself against the creeps.

[@ResidualSelfImage]

wrt to the subway platforms beware of being pushed off the platform onto a incoming train... in dark and open spaces beware of sounds from behind that could warn of an oncoming strike/attack from behind. Remember it is easier to defend yourself when you have both arms and hands free. It easier to run away when you are burden with anything to carry. If you have a weapon ... you need to know its limitations and how to use it effectively. Avoiding trouble is the best. defending yourself also means knowing how to justify the results of your actions later ... so get to know your legal right wrt to self defense now.... this will vary with the jurisdiction u are in... that is know the end game ......tips are no substitute for real life solutions.

[@minapourmojib603]

Thanks for making this video. I live in Iran and I hear a lot of bad things about going to school every day. Please tell me what I can do.

[@darlingpoe8020]

So informative 👏🏼👏🏼 !! I was mentioned hehehe 🗡

[@cherylperkins7538]

Yeah, but the guy that accosted me said it was because I was advertising it. I now dress very conservatively. Be careful always.

[@youssraansouri6450]

2:25 while I was waiting for the bus at 9 AM I heard a strange voice behind me I didn't pay attention at first cuz I was sitting and eating, but when I turned my head a man was wearing a djellabah(I don't know how to describe it in English it is a long dress for men that have pockets' place but no pocket so he had access to his p*enis) I saw that he wasn't wearing any pants under it 😢😢😢😢😢😢 and slowly realised he was masturbating OMG OMG OMG it is the most disgusting thing I've ever dealt with I moved immediately to another place next where a man was standing and he also moved

[@travisgarrett9398]

NYC is only going to get worse, alot worse. Get out as soon as you can.

[@Verbsdescribeus]

creepy encounters indeed...

[@OGSweet-vm2ru]

Don’t use knives unless you know how to use them on someone. They will be used against you.

[@robertbrouillette6767]

That’s why I don’t go into any American city. I was in Manhattan in the summer of 2007 and felt quite safe and this was after living 14 years in the L A area. NYC has gone downhill since then.

[@ComicKish]

wow youtube broiught me here wait i am subscribed

[@Johnlennoneater]

GOd loves u

[@salmasoso2055]

When i go out alone creepy old men start talking to me and i ignore them, more than that guys Who drive cars they just keep following and talking but when you dont reply them they start insulting

[@koramawin6134]

The US, the country that is praised developed country by many other countries. And this? Sad.

[@khxliakhxlia3605]

It happens almost everywherw

[@aaravp2248]

same skills are required while going to Nether

[@ninjapirate123]

Every foreigner needs to be extra careful and watch their backs when travelling to India

[@justinhuang3169]

Why folks never think and what caused so massively dangerous in nyc lately, I guessed there is too much freedom and fooled governing policy by low functioning government. Wanting changed to be safe and active city only way to do with changing new mayor for republican candidates, powerful strict law prohibits activities of bad behavior people, god bless ppl of nyc

[@belindaelisa5618]

The Peace Meditation Phrase Old Lyran written as: Salome gam nan ben Urda - gan njber asala Hesporona! pronounced as: Saalome gam naan ben uurda gan njjber asaala hesporoona! Français : Que la paix soit sur la terre et parmi toutes les créatures ! En español: ¡Paz en la tierra y entre todas las criaturas! English: Peace be on the Earth, and among all created creations! Deutsch: Friede sei auf der Erde, und unter allen Geschöpfen! Romanian: Pacea să fie pe pământ, și printre toate creaturile! Croatian: Mir na zemlji i među svim stvorenjima! Indonesian: Damai sejahtera di bumi, dan di antara semua makhluk! Arabic: السلام على الارض وبين جميع المخلوقات! Persian: سلامتی بر زمین و بر جمیع حیوانات باد!

[@the-chameleon]

Weird, every creep I've seen on the subway has looked exactly the same

[@PraveenSrJ01]

What exactly do they look like to you?

[@khxliakhxlia3605]

@@PraveenSrJ01 I also wonder

[@ComicKish]

did u take the covid vaccine?>

[@mstwelvedeadlycyns]

You are a single woman independent .

[@PraveenSrJ01]

The bad guys aka villains 🦹‍♀️ must have been severely abused as a child but that doesn’t excuse or give a reason for their crimes. Women don’t owe men anything.