I was attacked by two guys outside my front door in Williamsburg this weekend as I came home from dinner with a friend in Carroll Gardens just before midnight. They must have followed me for a little while–perhaps all the way from the subway–but I was on the phone and didn’t notice anyone around, or following me. Just before getting to my front door, I realized somebody was behind me and turned around thinking it was a neighbor. I saw two guys I didn’t recognize walking at a trot just a step behind me, so fumbled with my keys so they wouldn’t follow me inside. They confronted me, asking for the time and money and when I ignored their requests and continued to nervously chat on the phone waiting for them to leave, they punched me in the face and head repeatedly, kicked me down, and stole my bag.

For whatever reason, though they had initially stolen my keys, they threw them back at my feet before disappearing down the street. I scampered for the keys, frantic to get away and inside, and found myself in my apartment with no recollection of walking up the stairs. JBK stayed on the other end of the phone line the entire time (from out of town), hearing me struggle, then scream, then hysterical in the aftermath, as I tried to explain what had just happened. He called 911.

I spent the rest of the night at the police precinct, hospital, and then finally came back home in the morning. I have some cuts and bruises to my ear and face, but nothing that won’t heal. The fright is ongoing, the scene imprinted on my brain, but I was lucky to have friends and family by my side the entire night, and every moment since the incident occurred.

Wherever you live, please be careful walking home alone, especially late at night. Call a friend to walk with you, or take a car to your door and ask the driver to wait until you’re inside. Call the friend you are going to meet to let them know you are on the way. The Right Rides service is also available for women, whom you can call and they will bring you home for free between midnight – 3 a.m.

On that note, please have a safe and happy and thankful holiday this week. I’m ready for a break to see friends and loved ones, but also ready to come home and beat this fright, however long and slow a process that may be.

xo yp

Published Monday, November 24th, 2008 at 10:36 am. Filed under Daily Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.