Safety for single (white european) women

Hello friends,

Reunion Island paints a picture of a very cool place to be.  Politicians are trying to get more tourists to come. For that reason, everything you read about it seems really cool.  I have ten yrs. expat experience teaching abroad (English and French). But, there is a more than 30 percent unemployment rate despite excellent standards in sanitation and otherwise.  The population wants to be European and speak French for it is a form of status.  I have heard that rape is a serious crime in the Reunion island and also, murder, committed not uncommonly by drunken men. I am wondering if this is really true that it occurs commonly, and if so, against whom?  If so, I imagine they target the more exotic variety (white lil´me).  Naturally violent crime is downplayed in the media in order not to put a damper on the tourist industry. I myself would consider a move to Reunion island for 3 months to work teaching summer school,  provided that I can get home safe with my passport and my sanity. I don´t have any money, but is that what they think? If I get robbed and stuck there that´s it for me!! no way.

Appreciate any comments from anyone who knows what´s really going on. tx