Two suggestions... One is only half serious (Will explain)
First.. A good self defense class, (Martial arts) can improve your confidence and help you in times of need.. I like Akido which is the fine art of letting your opponent kill himself (Basically) Example (Real life one) 3 bullies teamed up and charged heads lowered intending to head butt me, One from each side and one from the front, that way if I steped right, left or forward one was sure to get me... Took the diagnoal and let 'em head butt the brick wall behind me.. End of fight, I never took my hands out of my pocket, they never touched me, I never touched them, Brick wall is still standing, they took a short nap.
Now the half serious part.. As it happens I have an opening for a traveling companion.. Now I'm not, yet, ready to interview... but I'm sure someone out there is.