It’s important to realise and take responsibility for your own personal safety. This is key to creating and building a safety mindset to mentally prepare you for whatever you may encounter. This mindset is called Situational Awareness. Being aware of what is happening around you, your location and how you fit into that context. This on-going analysis allows you to determine what maybe a threat or hazard to you.

Devise your own safety strategy

Create your own personal safety strategy, or a tick list of planned actions that you undertake before venturing out. Although they’ll most likely overlap, it’s preferable to have different tick lists for different activities.

When going out at night, tell one or more close friends where you’re going, who you’re meeting, what time you’ll be back. Sharing your location from your mobile phone with them is also a good idea.

Know how you’re getting home. If appropriate, pre book a taxi.

If driving, park in a street that’s busy at night and ideally near where you’re going, so that you don’t have far to walk.

Don’t linger, go directly to where you’re going and returning to.

Don’t flaunt your valuables, that includes your mobile phone.

Be mindful if you have your hair in a ponytail as it makes it easier for an attacker to grab you. Also, it’s easier to run in flat shoes than high heels.

Take a personal safety alarm to scare off would be attackers. There are many different types available, but make sure it’s good quality – this is not something where you want to take a risk. Some alarms also incorporate a spray (not all sprays are legal in the UK) with repulsive odours that stay on the attacker for several days (a tactic used to help police identify attackers) and will debilitate the attacker(s) to give you those precious seconds to make your getaway.

Never leave your drink unattended.

Prevent your drink being spiked with drink covers and bottle caps. You can acquire test kits that identify the most common drugs used for spiking (should you be concerned). The kit is very simple to use and small enough to easily fit into a purse or wallet.

Carry an emergency phone charger.

If you’re planning on staying away overnight, take a portable door lock for additional security.

Social Media

Here's another tip; don’t post real-time selfies - they give away your location. Or post where you’re going to be later on. As this gives valuable information to any would be stalker / attacker / burglar etc.

Advances in technology and proliferating social media platforms fuel a number of the ways in which attackers’ can scam, intimidate and abuse their victims. For example, Tinder is the dating app most targeted for fraud.

“It’s far too easy to set up a fake profile on an online dating site or social media”

Jason Costain, Head of Fraud Prevention NatWest.

Safety Apps

Advances in technology have also resulted in many safety apps which have received a great deal of publicity, one is even backed by the government. To a degree they all do the same thing (or a variation of), an individual listing an itinerary. Then in the event of any destination times being missed, alerting a named contact.

But here’s the elephant in the room. Will such an app prevent your drink being spiked? Will it prevent you from being harassed or physically attacked in real time? Also, using such an app, how long will it take for your contact / police to come to your aid?

Don’t make the mistake of being over reliant on technology.

What to do if you are attacked

A man in a hoodie is watching a woman in a dark car park.

Remember, if you’re being attacked, legally you’re permitted to use ‘reasonable force to protect yourself’. But rather than worry about ‘reasonable force’, do what you need to do get yourself out of danger.

The easiest thing to do, but not always possible, is to run away.

The last thing you want to do is to get into a fight. It won’t be like a self-defence or boxing class, which have ‘pre-determined’ moves, with people who aren’t intentionally going to hurt you, and takes place in brightly light, safe environment.

If you’re attacked, and it may be an obvious thing to say, it will NOT be a fair fight.

You could easily be overpowered, there may be more than 1 attacker, and it could be in a poorly lit / dark environment. Remember, the attacker is seeking to do this in a manner that’s the most advantageous to them, as quickly as possible, make as little noise, not raise attention, and not to be identified.

Therefore, avoid at all cost a hand-to-hand combat situation.

By far the majority of attacks are opportunistic. Knowing this information, be vigilant, don’t put yourself in a vulnerable position, be prepared and stay safe!

For further help and advice, please contact us.

Commuting

Commuting can present various safety risks, but at My Personal Safety, we prioritise your safety. Whether you travel by train, bus, or on foot, our educational resources together with our range of safety products will empower you to stay vigilant and protected during your daily commute.

Attending Social Events

At My Personal Safety, we prioritise your safety when enjoying nightlife. Stay safe, have fun, and protect yourself and friends by following these essential tips: always watch your drink, use the buddy system, trust your instincts, and carry personal safety products like a drink cover or personal alarm. Don't let danger ruin your night out - prioritise your safety!

Stalking & Harassment

One definition of stalking as defined by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust is: “a pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, intrusive and causes fear of violence or engenders alarm and distress in the victim.”

Whilst it may be widely held belief that the stalkers are complete strangers, research shows that in the majority of cases, the perpetrators are known to the victim, most of whom tend to be ex-partners.

“Cyberstalkers” are driven by the same intention as non-digital stalkers; to threaten or embarrass their victims. The difference is that they rely on technology.

Both stalking and harassment cause significant amounts of distress and fear to their victims and families. At My Personal Safety we can provide advice and tips on how to protect yourself and take back control of your life.

Stalking & Harassment

“Cyberstalkers” are driven by the same intention as non-digital stalkers; to threaten or embarrass their victims. The difference is that they rely on technology.

Child Safety

For parents, or anyone connected to children, their safety is of paramount importance. My Personal Safety are in the process of commissioning 3 webinars aimed at children from the ages of 8 to 17 to cover all aspects of how to identify ‘healthy relationships’, and spot those with an ulterior motive. The first of these webinars (for children aged 9 to 12) is available now with an accompanying guide for parents whilst watching the webinar with their child(ren).

CHILD SAFETY WEBINARS

Be Prepared

My Personal Safety Packs

Increase yourself personal safety (and boost your confidence) with products that can easily be carried with you at all times. Allowing you to be safe in the knowledge that you are more secure and being proactive with regards to your safety when out.

Tell us how we can help you and we will advise you which products will best protect you.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?