Le.Monsieur.S,

I am so sorry that you are dealing with this. That sounds like a terrible way to live, and it honestly horrifies me that your police and government care so little for the safety of women. I'm really, really sorry, and I wish there were a good, easy answer.

I'm not really sure what to tell you. I agree with Jo Thorne that self-defense might not be a huge help. It sounds like you're talking about gangs of men, not just one man, and even with a weapon, I think you'd be outnumbered?

Are you in a rural area of your country, or a bigger city? Would moving matter? (i.e. are there parts of the country where this is less of an issue?)

Do women in your country have any voice in government at all? Is there any civil action (that would be safe and not result in more violence against you) that could be organized?

I hate to say this, and I don't know if it's even feasible, but if it's at all possible, can you get an education and find a way to leave? There are issues with violence against women everywhere, sure, but there are also places where it's not uncommon or considered particularly risky to go out alone. I am a female living alone, and while I do have a car, I do all of my errands alone and walk alone for exercise, sometimes late in the evening (after dark) and usually feel very safe. I do take safety precautions depending on the area that I'm in, and there's always a chance of criminal activity, but it's not nearly as widespread as what you're describing. Honestly, nobody should have to live like you describe. My heart breaks for you and the women of your country

Edit to add: regarding self-defense, despite the fact that it might not help, I still think it might be useful to know some basic self-defense or have something like pepper spray. It's better to have it, even if you're never in a position where you need it, then to be stuck in a bad place one day and *wish* you had it.