In a world where women still navigate personal safety challenges, one Dallas resident proved that quick thinking and unconventional methods can deter potential threats. Finnigan Haynes recently shared a viral TikTok video demonstrating how she successfully scared off four men who were following her late at night using an unexpected deterrent: a used menstrual pad.

The incident highlights a sobering reality: women's safety remains a critical concern globally. According to recent research by the Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research, a staggering 64% of women in the United States don't feel confident walking alone at night in their own neighborhoods.

Haynes' experience isn't isolated. Global statistics paint a troubling picture of women's experiences with harassment and potential violence. Nearly one-fifth of women worldwide report experiencing physical or psychological violence, with regions like Africa seeing even more alarming rates - 49% of women reporting violence within the past year.

End Violence Against Women reports reveal that women are over three times more likely than men to feel unsafe walking after dark near their homes. Even more concerning, two-thirds of women aged 16-34 have experienced harassment in the past year, with 44% reporting unwanted comments or catcalling.

The BBC further underscores these concerns, noting that one in eight women in the UK have been assaulted or stalked in the past year. Haynes' creative solution - using a used menstrual pad to shock and discourage her potential stalkers - represents a powerful, if unconventional, form of self-protection.

While her method might seem unusual, it speaks to the innovative ways women are forced to consider their personal safety. The viral TikTok video not only shared her experience but also sparked important conversations about the persistent challenges women face when simply trying to move safely through public spaces.

By sharing her story, Haynes has drawn attention to a critical social issue, demonstrating that awareness and creative problem-solving can be powerful tools in combating potential threats. Her experience serves as a reminder that women's safety should be a universal priority, requiring ongoing dialogue, education, and societal change.