All of the recent news surrounding public restrooms has really brought to light a vulnerability in society that, I think, would be prudent to address and give thought to...
Public restrooms/locker rooms/dressing rooms are not safe environments no matter what the law is... A quick Google search of "tiny cameras", "spy cameras", etc... will give a better understanding of what a person needs to be watchful of. If someone is invading your personal space in any way (a purse or any personal effect is set down encroaching your stall) be mindful of the risk that you could be being recorded or watched... A quick glance of the fixtures in your stall before disrobing for things that don't belong or anything out of the ordinary is always a good rule of thumb...
Most malls have a long, long creepy hallway back to the restrooms - watch for people who may seem to be "keeping a lookout", people who are loitering... The more distracted one is, and the longer the "pit stop" is, the more vulnerable a person becomes. I like to make a mental note of the safest and most private restrooms at any given business and then if my kiddo and I are able to use those rather than others, that's what we'll do.
If I'm clothes shopping, I really prefer that my husband escort me while I'm in the dressing rooms... The locks and doors in most dressing rooms are notoriously flimsy, and you are generally at the most vulnerable state you'll ever be in public while in a dressing room or locker room...
Get in, get out, don't be distracted, be mindful of your surroundings and those loitering, and then - watch out for your fellow man. If you see someone who is putting themselves at risk, or is being "stalked" by someone, or something just doesn't quite feel right... Be vocal about it. "Do you know that person?" "There's someone outside the door, just so you know." "Is everything ok - if not, I can find a security guard to walk you out."
The more people power we claim, the less power predators will have. We don't ever live in fear, but we aren't going to become victims either.
What other things do you do to keep yourself and your family safe in these public places?
Public restrooms/locker rooms/dressing rooms are not safe environments no matter what the law is... A quick Google search of "tiny cameras", "spy cameras", etc... will give a better understanding of what a person needs to be watchful of. If someone is invading your personal space in any way (a purse or any personal effect is set down encroaching your stall) be mindful of the risk that you could be being recorded or watched... A quick glance of the fixtures in your stall before disrobing for things that don't belong or anything out of the ordinary is always a good rule of thumb...
Most malls have a long, long creepy hallway back to the restrooms - watch for people who may seem to be "keeping a lookout", people who are loitering... The more distracted one is, and the longer the "pit stop" is, the more vulnerable a person becomes. I like to make a mental note of the safest and most private restrooms at any given business and then if my kiddo and I are able to use those rather than others, that's what we'll do.
If I'm clothes shopping, I really prefer that my husband escort me while I'm in the dressing rooms... The locks and doors in most dressing rooms are notoriously flimsy, and you are generally at the most vulnerable state you'll ever be in public while in a dressing room or locker room...
Get in, get out, don't be distracted, be mindful of your surroundings and those loitering, and then - watch out for your fellow man. If you see someone who is putting themselves at risk, or is being "stalked" by someone, or something just doesn't quite feel right... Be vocal about it. "Do you know that person?" "There's someone outside the door, just so you know." "Is everything ok - if not, I can find a security guard to walk you out."
The more people power we claim, the less power predators will have. We don't ever live in fear, but we aren't going to become victims either.
What other things do you do to keep yourself and your family safe in these public places?
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