why I don't feel safe alone on the streets

For the last few days in the Australian news, I have heard about the sickening attack on a young woman in Melbourne who was on her way home late at night.
My first thought was how sorry I was for this girl and her now grieving family. My second was what I would have done differently. I would have called my parents, or my aunt, and talked to them until I got home. I would have walked under the street lights so that people could clearly see me if I was in trouble. I would have held my keys between my fingers in a clenched fist.
And you know what? None of it would have helped me.
Because Aiia Maasarwe was on the phone to her sister when she was attacked, a video-call no less. She was on a well-lit tram and I have no doubt that she would have put up a fight against her murderer.
The truth is, if someone wants to hurt you, then they will hurt you regardless of the 'safety' precautions that you take. It doesn't matter where you are, what you're wearing, or what time it is, there will always be a risk when you're alone.
This is why I cross the street if there are men walking towards me, or even walking behind me. This is why I feel anxious when strangers compliment me or ask where I'm headed/from.
Yeah, okay, they might be harmless, genuine, good guys like all my friends and family, but they just might not be and to be honest, I can't afford to take the risk.
For you it's a bruised ego, a little bit of anger or embarrassment at being blamed for the actions of others, for me I am putting my life on the line.
No, I don't think all men are dangerous, or are going to hurt me, but I just can't tell which is which and the thought of getting it wrong scares the hell out of me.

Pro-tip ladies, don't be on the phone when walking alone, it shifts your focus and is a distraction. Instead, take self-defence classes, I'm sure as hell going to start. And I know just the thought of having to take precautions pisses you off because yes, you absolutely do have the right to walk down without being hurt, but the world isn't going to change overnight so do the best you can with what you've got.