- Try to plan ahead. Make sure someone knows where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to return. Always plan how you are going to get home again.
- Remember, the most common date rape drug is alcohol, so keep an eye on your drinks so that neither drugs nor extra alcohol are added. Never accept a drink you haven’t seen poured and don’t leave your drink unattended. If you suddenly feel very drunk or out of control, ask a friend you trust to get you home and do the same for friends in the same situation.
- Know your limit. Alcohol will dull your instincts and can lead to you making unsafe decisions. Young men are statistically more at risk of becoming victims of crime than women.
- Always keep track of where your belongings are and don’t be tempted to leave them at a table while you hit the dance floor.
- Keep your bag closed and fastened and swing it round to your front so that you can see it and keep your hands on it. Avoid wearing backpacks, particularly in crowded areas. Try to take cash out before your night out or with a friend if you have to visit a cash machine at night.
- Stay Alert! Avoid talking on your mobile phone or listening to music on your head-phones, as this will distract you from your surroundings and prevent you from hearing any potential danger signs.
- Stick to busy streets if you can. Avoid poorly-lit areas, deserted parks, or quiet alleyways.
- Think about getting a personal safety alarm. Keep it in an easily accessible place and carry it in your hand if you feel at risk – not at the bottom of a bag where you can’t reach it.
- If you are socializing with a group of people, take care of each other and make sure everyone stays safe.
- If you see someone else in trouble shout for help or call the police immediately. Don’t ignore someone in trouble, but getting directly involved may aggravate the situation.
- If you are planning to use public transport, always check the times of the last train or buses. If you are going to be in an unfamiliar area and cannot access maps by phone, print out a map so that you do not get lost late at night.
- If a bus is empty or it is after dark, stay on the lower deck and sit near the driver.
- Always carry the telephone number of a trusted, licensed taxi or minicab company with you. Never take an unlicensed mini-cab, as these are unchecked, uninsured and can potentially be very dangerous.
- Have your house keys ready before you get to your front door and carry them on your person rather than in your bag just in case.
- If you are being followed, head towards a public place and text a friend to meet you or call the police. Shout and run if you feel that you are in danger.
Info received from: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/wellbeing/safety/night
