She Fought Back And Got Away: Lessons From a Woodlawn Attempted Sexual Assault
Last week, a woman walking home in the Woodlawn area of Fairfax County, Virginia was followed, grabbed, and nearly assaulted. But she fought back. And it worked. The suspect fled. Days later, he was arrested and now faces abduction and attempted sexual assault charges.
In this situation, a woman was targeted. She trusted her instincts. She resisted. And she survived.
That’s why, at Protect Her Path, I don’t just share these stories to scare you, I share them to prepare you. This is not about blame. It’s about building awareness, growing confidence, and walking smarter and stronger every day.
Here are the real-life takeaways from this case and how you can apply them in your own life.
💡 Lesson 1: Situational Awareness Saves Lives
The woman was walking near Roxbury Court, likely a route she’d taken before. But this time, someone followed her. She noticed him.
That’s the first win.
Being aware of your surroundings can buy you time, change your choices, and possibly change the outcome. It’s easy to zone out when walking; scrolling your phone, listening to music, or just running through the day’s to-do list in your head.
Next time you’re walking alone, ask yourself:
- Can I hear what’s happening around me?
- Am I walking confidently and with purpose?
- Have I scanned behind me in the last 30 seconds?
Quick tip: Carry your keys in your hand. Walk tall. Stay off your phone. Choose paths with lighting and visibility, even if they’re not the shortest.
💪 Lesson 2: Fighting Back Can Stop an Attack
The victim in this case physically resisted. She fought and it made the suspect run.
We’re told so often to comply, to not escalate. And while every situation is different, this one reminds us: You are allowed to fight back.
The truth is, you don’t have to be a black belt to defend yourself. What matters is determination, targeting vulnerable areas, and making noise.
✅ Eyes, throat, groin. Go for the weak spots.
✅ Use elbows, knees, fists, feet, whatever you have.
✅ Scream. Yell. Bite. Be relentless.
📱 Lesson 3: Know When and How to Report
The suspect in this case was caught quickly, in part because of a fast and detailed report to police. The woman gave a description. Surveillance footage helped. The man turned himself in.
Your voice matters. Your report could stop someone from attacking someone else.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation:
- Call 911 as soon as you’re safe.
- Write down or voice-record a description right away.
It’s okay if you’re shaken up. Just do what you can. Your safety comes first.
🧭 Lesson 4: Rethink Your Routes
In this case, the attack happened in a wooded area, not uncommon in many neighborhoods. Trees, fences, alleyways, construction zones… these spots can limit your options to escape or be seen.
Ask yourself:
- Is there a more visible or public route I can take?
- Could I walk with someone, even part of the way?
- Is there lighting where I walk after dark?
We don’t live in fear, we live with awareness.
💬 Final Thoughts
This story could have ended differently. It didn’t. Because of one woman’s awareness, courage, and instinct to fight.
Let that empower you, not scare you.
In fact, every walk, every trip to the store, every late shift doesn’t have to feel like a gamble. You can be prepared. You can stay one step ahead. And you are absolutely worth defending.
🛠 Tools to Help You Feel Safer:
- 🔒 Personal alarm or whistle
- 🧠 Basic self-defense training (online or in person)
- 📍 Location sharing with a trusted contact
- 🧭 Route planning using lit, public paths
- 📱 Safety apps like Noonlight or WalkSafe
News source: Fairfax County Police Dept.
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