Keeping yourself safe
How to keep yourself safe and protect yourself from sexual assault
Why is this an important topic?
Sadly, 1 in 20 children and young people in the UK have been sexually assaulted (Safeline). Statistics have indicated that young women between the ages of 16 and 19 are four times as likely to become a victim of sexual assault.
It is important to note that young women are not sexually assaulted because they have drunk too much, walked home alone, or wore revealing clothes. They are assaulted because someone made a decision to commit a violent act against them. However, it is understandable to want to do whatever you can to keep yourself safe whilst going about your day to day activities.
Safety Tips
Here are some safety tips to help young women stay safe, minimise risk and protect themselves from situations that have the potential to become dangerous.
1. Trust your instincts and be yourself. If you feel unsafe, or even uncomfortable, in any situation, go with your gut. Don’t worry about what others think; your own safety comes first.
2. Stick with your friends and watch out for each other.If you attend a party, arrive together, check in with one another frequently throughout the night, and leave together. Think twice about going off alone or with someone, and if, for whatever reason, you have to separate from your friends, let them know where you are going and who you are with.
3. Use your mobile phone as a tool.Make sure it’s fully charged before you leave home, and if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, shoot a quick text for a “friend-assist.” Make a plan before you go out just in case your phone dies, so you can meet up with your friends at a specific location at a certain time. You might consider coming up with a “keyword” with a friend so that they will know if you are in trouble. You should have phone numbers of people you can trust (sibling, parent, neighbour, etc.) to call in an emergency.
4. Be careful when leaving “status” or “away” messages online and when using the “check-in” feature on Facebook.Leaving information about your whereabouts reveals details that are accessible to everyone. Use common sense so that someone can’t track your every move. If you wouldn’t give the information to a stranger, then don’t put it on your online profile.
5. Wait for people to earn your trust. Don’t assume people you’ve just met will look out for your best interests; remember that they are essentially strangers.
6. Don’t be afraid to hurt someone’s feelings.If you find yourself in an unsafe situation it’s alright to make up an excuse as to why you have to go. It’s better to make up a reason to leave than to stay in a possibly dangerous situation. Your safety comes before someone else’s feelings.
7. If you see something, say something!Intervene if a situation seems questionable or if someone’s safety is at risk. By taking action, you can prevent a crime from being committed. Remember, you can also contact a trusted adult or the police if you do not feel that it is safe for you to step in.
8. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Despite widespread publicity about “date rape” drugs, alcohol remains the most common substance associated with sexual assault. You should avoid alcohol so that you are thinking completely logically. Also, do NOT accept drinks from people who you don’t know or trust, and never leave your drink unattended. If you have left your drink alone, get a new one. Always watch your drink being prepared.
9. Be aware of your surroundings.Whether you’re walking home from the library or at a party, be mindful of potential risks. Get to know your surroundings and learn a well-lit route to safe places. Think of a safe exit strategy. Are there people around who might be able to help you? Is there a business or home you can go to along your route?
It’s important to note that if you do find yourself in a dangerous situation, and something does happen, it is categorically NOT YOUR FAULT.