It's true that it's most likely to be someone you know. But sexual harassment from strangers is extremely common. Assault less so, yes, but you can be sure tha

It's true that it's most likely to be someone you know. But sexual harassment from strangers is extremely common. Assault less so, yes, but you can be sure that every woman you've ever met has or will be harassed, that she's been cat called, flashed, groped, cornered in, been made to feel uncomfortable or objectified. This is enough to imbue random approaches with a sense of uncertainty and danger. She never knows if you'll be the one to add to the statistics. Keep in mind also that the statistic of most assault coming from close family/friends doesn't mean other forms are rare. Most women experience multiple assaults throughout their lives. Keep also in mind that most sexual crime goes unreported and that things like groping on public transport can be so common that most women wouldn't even think of reporting it. Keep in mind also that statistics aren't what we base our fear on. I know I'm statistically unlikely to have a bad car crash going to the shop but I'll still put my seatbelt on. Further to that, consider the pain that can be caused to victims when we essentially shut them down and say their fear is misplaced (read feelings are invalid) and that they should look more at the data than their own lived experiences. As a final note I highly encourage you to talk and listen to the women around you