Women are prone to attack by predators for several reasons. Time of month, posture, voice inflections/ pleading/comforting and etc. predators try to take the weakest to limit their own damage. They are emboldened with support from pack mates. This is predator/prey behavior. Been this way since the time man left his cave. Never diminish the effect of smell and blood in a situation. May be a scrap to you but your senses suck when compared to a predator. Children just magnify the issues.
Great answer on hostile situations.
The lawsuit response is also significant.
Gun Control Kills.
If more defenders were not reluctant to carry a gun, due to lawsuit threat, even a loud shot into the ground, in the city, could deter a pit bull.
Bad lawsuits attack good people merely protecting themself, which is why gun control fails.