I don't park in enclosed garages. The last time I did? Probably ten years ago. I asked security to escort me to my car. If I'm out alone late at night (like girls' night out), we're all walking to the parking lot together, never alone. If I'm parked in a large parking lot (like shopping), day or night, I'm always watching my surroundings, checking the back seat of my car, locking my door as quickly as I open it.
More than a few times, when the elevator door has opened and I see someone who is 'questionable' in my estimation, as I start to walk on the elevator, I've said, "DAMN it. Sorry, forgot something." It's a knee-jerk response I'm prepped with anytime I'm walking into an elevator. If I were to use a stairwell, it would only be because the building was on fire. I valet my car any time I have that opportunity. I have signage on my car (magnetic on both sides). When picking up my car, I've asked the valet to remove it more than once before driving up to the pick-up spot because someone has given me the creeps.
When I feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up? I believe 'em.
I've taken a number of 'dirty street fighting' classes and, unless I was blitzed, I think MAYBE I could put up a somewhat reasonable defense. Certainly I'd leave the cops with some DNA.
The classes included both defensive and offensive tactics. I wish I had more practice time with them, but still . . .
These are the lessons we should teach our daughters. And after that?
Perhaps a CCW.