I don't blame the OP for taking a break. Getting mugged on a bike has always been a huge concern for me. Over the past 40 years of urban cycling, 25 of which are car free, I have taken evasive action a number of times successfully. I could go long stretches without any trouble, then experience two in one evening.
In the past few years some things have changed and gentrification of some popular (and previously sketchy) routes has taken place. Still not impossible to get mugged, I had my last attempt this past winter. But things seem to be heading in the right direction slowly.
Hopefully the OPs situation, or environment, will experience a change for the better in the near future. I never thought it could happen in my city, but it is progressing. Why or how I continued through the danger I can not say. I would love to call it bravery but am more tempted to label my actions risky and stupid. I survived with extreme vigilance, paranoia, and cycling speed.