Personal Safety

1. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
2. Practice what you would do in a real life threatening situations with a friend or consider taking self-defence lessons.
3. Tell your family, friends and colleagues your whereabouts and the time you expect to be returning.  If you change your plans let them know.

You have the right to defend yourself.

If you are attacked you have the right to defend yourself.  However, the law does not allow the carrying of anything that could be described as a weapon.  Carry a personal alarm or whistle in your hand ready for immediate use.  Be mindful of carrying anything which may be taken from you by the offender and used against you.  If you are attacked, it is impossible to say what you will do.  Some people freeze, others act quickly to escape.  Use physical violence against your attacker as a last resort.

Be careful in public places.

Below are some general safety tips to protect yourself in public places:

• Walk in well-lit and busy areas.
• Keep clear of walking close to overgrown bushes or trees.
• Walk against the flow of traffic, this prevents vehicles driving slowly alongside you.
• Walk with a friend or group wherever possible.
• If you regularly walk by yourself, consider varying your route.
• Have someone accompany you to your car.
• Plan ahead – how are you going to get home?
• Walk confidently at a steady pace.
• Remain alert and be aware of your surroundings.
• Turn down the volume on your iPod or earphones.