What would you do if you saw a woman who was clearly in danger? Some people might turn a blind eye, while others would call the cops. And then there are those who are willing to risk their own safety, and even lives, to jump right in and help.
A 24-year-old did exactly that when she witnessed two men taking a seemingly very drunk girl into a dark parking garage. Without hesitation, the woman raced to the rescue, and saved someone from a potentially terrible situation. She was shocked by how her boyfriend reacted when she told him what had happened.
The woman has shared the entire ordeal online. And it raises questions about people’s attitudes when it comes to the safety of girls and women.
When she noticed a drunk girl at risk of being kidnapped by two guys, this woman immediately intervened
Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
But her boyfriend’s reaction to her bravery has her questioning their entire relationship
Image credits: Or Hakim / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Erik Mclean / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
The woman shared screenshots of the text exchange between herself and her boyfriend
She also explained how the text messages made her feel
Image credits: Daniel Martinez / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: fettidmoppet
Some safety tips for women who are planning a night out on the town
As much as we’d love to believe the world is a safe place for women and girls, the reality is—it isn’t. And until things change drastically, we need to look after ourselves and others.
If you’re planning to paint the town red with your girlfriends, it’s best to opt for well-lit, reputable establishments with visible security measures, advises drink spike detector manufacturer CounterSpike.
A place with good reviews and lots of security can help reduce the risk of you ending up in a dangerous situation. And if something does happen, there should be people there who can protect you.
Other precautions to take are letting a friend or family member in on your plans. This includes where you’re going and what time you expect to return. You can go as far as sharing your location via your phone or an app as an extra layer of safety. I sometimes do this when taking an Uber by myself.
There’s strength in numbers, says CounterSpike. “Being in a group significantly decreases the chances of becoming a target for crime,” notes the site, adding that you should always ensure no one is left alone in potentially vulnerable situations.
Of course, using reliable transportation options like licensed taxis is crucial. “Never accept a lift from a stranger, no matter how convenient it may seem,” warn the experts. If walking, choose a well-lit and familiar route.
Self-defense courses are also a good investment, as are personal safety tools like pepper spray, personal alarms, or even whistles.
If you’re planning to go drinking, read this first
A girls’ night out often involves alcohol, and here’s where things can get dangerous… “Alcohol affects your judgment and awareness, making you more vulnerable to risky situations,” CounterSpike’s experts warn. And that’s why it pays to pace yourself.
“Keep track of drink sizes and their alcohol content to maintain moderation,” advises the site. “Alternating alcoholic beverages with drink water helps stay hydrated and reduce intoxication.”
And then there’s the issue of your drink being spiked. The risk of this happening is very real, say the experts. “Always monitor your drinks and those of your friends,” they suggest. “Never leave your drink unattended. If you need to step away, ask a trusted friend to watch it.”
Remember, your drink can be spiked behind the bar, too. So keep a close eye on it while it’s being poured. And it goes without saying that accepting drinks from strangers increases the risk of drink tampering.
So, what do you do if you suspect your drink has been tampered with or spiked? “Do not consume it and seek assistance immediately. This could be the difference between a safe night and a dangerous situation,” warns CounterSpike.
Some signs you’ve consumed a spiked drink include unusual sensations or dizziness. Inform a friend, or the establishment’s management/security and seek help if you feel something is wrong.
Importantly, always trust your instincts; if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. “Your intuition is a valuable tool for assessing safety, so always take it seriously,” warn the experts. “Being mindful of your environment allows you to enjoy your night with greater peace of mind.”
“Girls gotta protect each other ’cause guys like him won’t”: people rallied behind the woman
But some netizens took the boyfriend’s side
The woman thanked people and revealed what she planned to do
