i appreciate the response.....and ofcourse being aware of your environment is key - but when you read about attacks on mothers with children it has very little to do with "walking with a purposeful determination"

i'm still interested to hear other people's opinion

I have been thinking of moving from NYC to downtown Jersey City with my wife and child - obviously safety is a big concern and i came across this article by chance.....I'm interested in finding out from people's experience....is it really as bad as the article says - with vigilante groups and self defence classes being offered it does not paint a good picture