It is a shame, but we have to be careful due to these kind of events.

I always try to mindful of surroundings, never allow self to be distracted by phone or music and keep distance. I also have taken self defense classes. The expectation isn't to beat the attacker as men naturally can overpower us, but to either escape or deter. Pepper spray or a rape whistle are good suggestions.

Sadly, even with every precaution things can go badly quickly, and others I have spoken with take these courses due to attacks similar to yours. At the very least it can be a method to work through trauma and regain confidence in yourself. Best of luck to you Onionberry.

I agree with others who have said do NOT get a gun. You should definitely look into some basic self-defense classes and I know some places offer it for free - especially for women. Pepper spray is good, but it will affect you too depending on how close the guy is, but it will slow him down. I would not get a taser (illegal in NY anyways) or knife (again, NY has strict laws here) or anything like that as they all could be used against you and you could really hurt someone.

As a believer, I agree with what WagnerPaiva said - God's your best defense.

oh come on, you were doing so well with good advice. She's already said she is religious, didnt stop the original attack did it. lets use a bit of common sense instead if there is a god, he doesnt stop nasty things happening to people, so using that as a defence is not going to help, self defence on the other hand, may help.

Hey, God created the people who made these self-defense techniques. Use them. I am not suggesting you don't. Just stating what I prioritize over everything else first.

Depends on where you live. If you can walk around with a full or semi automatic assault rifle in some states. I guess you can also walk around with a Katana, besides you can hide a katana quite well it's very elegant. In my country carrying pepperspray is already a crime.

You would receive points for style from me. If you walk around with a umbrella katana as long as you don't kill anyone with and just scare criminals away. Maybe even let them wet themselves ;p. 

I hate knives, way too messy. I have a bunch, but only to work in my yard and for fishing. I never carry them around.

Yeah theres something very brutal about knives (not in work use obviously) and I think you have to be very brave or lack some emotion to use one on someone. It would be so easy to have it knocked out of your hand or your arm twisted, it's grossing me out just thinking about it :| 

Absolutelly.

That's horrible, glad that you are ok.

Also some of the posts here are....interesting.