Women are so worried about being attacked while running, they carry rape alarms
manchestereveningnews.co.ukTwo thirds of women runners have experienced abuse of one form or another, a study has found. Out of 498 women asked, 68 per cent told a University of Manchester survey they suffered threats, physical or sexual assaults, had objects thrown at them or were 'flashed' by men while out running.
The most common abuse reported was verbal (58 per cent) but others said they had been followed while out running (19 per cent), flashed at (7 per cent), or been abused by men in vehicles (13 per cent).
Some 13 women said they had been physically assaulted while out running, and seven women had been sexually assaulted, according to the survey.
Some reported they carried rape alarms with them or held car keys in their hands to use as a weapon to defend themselves in case of an attack.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk