However, the same comp lexities remained. Women reported that feelings of safety in their neighbourhood could diminish at sunset and night time, or if particular events occur such as groups of youths gathering at the local shop and shouting and yelling. I even watch my own shadow, if you see two shadows appear, that means there is someone near you. I look over my shoulder all the time, I've always got to guard up. Women's experiences tell us much about the problems we need to address.
Some key factors emerge.
Feelings of safety in a public place change over the course of a day. Fears for safety are worse at night. Public places where women feel unsafe are usually places where women feel vulnerable to violence. Many women particularly fear sexual assault. Public places where women feel unsafe often have certain characteristics in common.