[Melusine]

Hmmm since you mentioned getting a debate or discussion going about safety issues;

Try to avoid being out on the street alone after dark, especially in badly-lit areas or areas with no houses nearby. If you travel by public transport, get someone to pick you up from the station.
When you are on foot, always walk as close to the houses as you can, so that you can ring the doorbells in case something happens. Don't hesitate to do that even if you're not sure a guy has evil intentions - you won't make a fool out of yourself, the people where you rung will understand you'd rather be safe than sorry.
Walk confidently but not challengingly - shoulders straight, head up. Walk briskly but not too fast - don't appear as if you're running away. Keep your keys in your hand to feel safer and look more purposeful. Never carry a knife or something to defend yourself - an attacker is likely stronger than you and will only try and use it against you. If you need something to feel safer, carry a can of hairspray (to spray in the eyes) or put your keys in your hand (to make it harder) with one key protruding (so you can punch with your fist). If attacked, screaming is the best thing you can do. Make as much noise as you can, it's been proven that it scares more attackers away than anything else, including putting up a fight.
Be alert when strangers approach you in potentially dangerous situations (like Cloudy described). You don't have to distrust people, just be alert for signs that something is amiss.

All of these are not meant to scare anybody, it's just good to be prepared.