keeping safe
There are some simple steps that both men and women can take to make themselves safer.

• If you go out – especially at night – tell someone where you are going. If possible, stay away from known danger spots.
• Keep your drink within your sights at all times.
• If you’re out late, get a lift back if you can with someone you trust, or book a taxi. Beware of using a taxi which you didn’t book because it may be unlicensed. It is safer to use a black cab.
• If you walk home, try to get someone to go with you.
• Don’t have expensive possessions like mobile phones on display.
• Check your home is secure. Ordinary bolts and chains are not expensive.
• Knowing some self-defence can give you a feeling of greater confidence.
• If you carry a screech alarm keep it ready in your hand, not in your pocket or handbag.
• Men can help by taking care not to frighten women. For example, if you’re walking in the same direction as a woman at night, don’t walk behind her, cross over the road and walk on the other side.

Click here to find out more about safety on the streets and in your home.

Use the menus on the left to navigate, or go straight to brief cases to find out more about young people’s experience of the law in these areas.