Growing up as a petite girl with no techniques on self-defense, my greatest nightmare has always been getting followed and kidnapped or raped. Up until I was 9 years old, I was taught to never approach men in cars, men with candy, or men with dogs. But as I grew up, the cautionary scenarios became more complicated.

When I was eleven, I was taught to not ride my bike or play outside on the street alone once the sunset was over. When I was thirteen, I was taught to not wear the short shorts and a tank top. When I was fifteen, I was taught to carry pepper spray to high school parties. And after I turned eighteen and left the house, I was taught to be aware of all of my surroundings, which entailed rejecting drinks at bars, rejecting brownies at house parties, never leaving a party with a guy I'd just met, meeting a guy for a date in a daylight and busy setting, always having people around me, and never being too trusting.

These precautions are unfortunately necessary in our society today, since the scenarios are gradually getting worse. For example, just recently there have been many accusations made by several women in my town. They claim to have been followed by unknown men while shopping at their local grocery stores. Others have been followed to their cars from their own college library, and meanwhile, others have been contacted via social media.

The reality is, women need to take extraordinary measures to stay safe, and here are a few ways to do so:

3. Run errands during the day. 

Joshua Rawson-Harris

Do not go alone to the grocery store or mall late at night. Or, don't go alone at all, since these areas have become easy and common targets.

4. Be alert in parking lots and garages. 

Andrey Kirov

Parking lots and garages are also common targets since there are usually no people around late at night, therefore, be aware of your surroundings here.

5. Be cautious on social media. 

ROBIN WORRALL

Social media has become such an advantageous and disadvantageous utility to our society today. Although having many followers may be rewarding, be careful when adding too many people you don't know. You never know who is in control of the accounts, especially if strangers start messaging you.

It is extremely unfortunate that these precautions need to take place, and women need to be on constant alert. Until the day this is no longer an issue, take caution and be alert to your surroundings at all times. It is better to be safe than sorry.