There are some very simple things that you can do in your day to day life to ensure your own safety, and improve your chances of not getting attacked to begin with. I will list some of them here for you to browse, and think about.
Safety Tips
1. Avoid trouble zones.
By this I mean don't walk through areas known for high crime if you can avoid it. Maybe it cuts 1/2 a mile or a mile off your walk, but it's not worth it if you get hurt or killed in the process.
2. Always walk with someone.
Criminals are generally cowards, and want to catch you by yourself and they want the advantage in a numbers game. So, 2 of you versus 1 of them is not in their favor. Now this is not always true, but it is a piece to the safety puzzle that you should incorporate.
3. Always walk with a purpose, and stay alert.
In other words, don't walk around with your head in the clouds. Look like you know where you are going, and like people are expecting you any minute. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Look at the shadowy areas, and stay in the well lit areas if at all possible. A little bit of paranoia is a good thing. It will keep you alert, and ready if someone should jump out at you.
4. Have a plan.
If you are going to the library, let your roommate, boyfriend, parents, or someone know that you are going, and give them an estimated time that you will arrive and tell them that you will call when you get there, and then remember to do it.
The idea is that if they don't hear from you within a reasonable time, and they know what route you were taking, they can call the police to go look for you. It may be just the help you need, just in the nick of time.
5. Have your personal weapons in your hand at all times.
By personal weapons, I mean pepper-spray, mace, keys, binoca spray, hair spray, etc. These are things that you either have with you almost anywhere you go anyway, or that you can purchase to carry with you.
I must say for this one, check the laws in your area so as not to get into trouble for having one of these on you.
I say keep them in your hands, because if they are in your pocket, or purse, then when you get attacked it is too late. You will likely never get to them to use them.
6. If you get attacked, yell "Fire!" and RUN!
I say to yell "Fire!" because "Help!" is kind of like a car alarm and generally goes ignored. But fire, everyone wants to see a fire, either to help put it out, or to watch something burn down. Either way, you've got their attention, and that's what you want when you need help.
If you can run, then run like the wind, to the most public and populated place you can find.
Now, if you are a small, attractive young woman, and you are being attacked by a giant bad-boy biker, then the biker bar up the street may not be the best choice, so keep your wits about you at all times, but definitely do what you must to get peoples' attention.
If you follow the steps above, while they are not fool proof, they will greatly decrease your chances of being attacked, and increase your chances of surviving if you are.
Best,
Brian