I'd suggest taking a personal defense class. Preferably with an intructor that has a black belt, and was/is on a swat team. carry mace/pepper spray. Some will ask why you are taking the class, if they do, be honest. They are generally willing to use you as their 'dummy' since you are in need of more experience then the others.
Tips from the class.......
Dont wear your hair up (pony tail ect), wear clothes/shoes you can run in, research pressure points, attack the eyes, throat, knees, and stomach, bend joints backward and wrench them, never turn your back on them, practice with someone different stances and find the ones that you are most able to keep your balance in if you are shoved/pushed - don't play, make it serious. Keep a cell phone with you AT ALL TIMES, even if it has no service it should still be able to connect to 911.