Even better, don't carry a purse. Women should choose clothing with large enough pockets that are difficult to grab into to hold their money. A prepaid credit card with just a little money, a health insurance porvider card and an expired drivers license are all one needs for ID. Another trick....wear cheap jewelry instead of no jewelry. On sidewalks, walk closer to the road instead of in the shadows of the building.
Is that paranoid? Not at all. It doesn't make me feel 100% safe, but I have the confidence of while being in my late 60s not looking like an easy victim carrying things worth stealing.
You’re not being paranoid, you’re being smart; being smart is what keeps you safe and alive, not being just pious or careful or vigilant.
You’re right about all those things women should do, but it makes me angry that I have to live that way. We do not have freedom, but instead we cower in fear before hateful thugs we’re not allowed to criticize. Welcome to the land of the free and the home of the brave.