Safety

Here are some practical tips to help you minimise the level of risk to your personal safety:

General Tips:

• Try and ensure someone knows of your whereabouts. Tell them where you’re going and how long you’ll be. If you decide to do an “all nighter” make sure someone knows when you’re expected back. Remember, you might still be away and ok, but others will be worried if you do not appear when they expect you.
• Be aware that the person you meet may have a friend nearby, and together they may plan to attack you. Check if the person has a bag or bulky clothing which could be concealing a weapon. Walk away from danger and defend yourself if necessary. Don’t carry a weapon yourself, it could be used against you and you may be committing an offence just by having it with you.
• Take another look at the person, it’s never too late to change your mind, you have the right to say no at any point. When negotiating any exchange of goods or payment, ensure that this is performed at the start. Decide in advance what you are and are not prepared to do. Negotiations after the event may aggravate the other person and place you at increased risk.
• If you use drugs or alcohol, try and keep them to a minimum as you need to stay in control. Avoid accepting drugs or alcohol from the person you’re with as you can never be sure what they are or what they’re mixed with. Someone under the influence may become aggressive and may become a risk.
• If you experience an attack, or an attempted attack, try to get away and make a lot of noise to attract attention. If this happens in a car, hit the horn and try to open the car door and run. During the attack you can use reasonable force to defend yourself if necessary, though what’s considered to be reasonable force will vary depending on the level of attack on you.
• If you are badly injured, dial 999 or go to Accident & Emergency.
• An attack is a crime and you’re entitled to report it to the police.
  Strathclyde Police Glasgow City Centre Police Office: 0141 532 3000
  Strathclyde Police Glasgow City Centre Street Liaison Team: 0141 532 3118
  If you want support to approach the police, speak to us about it.

On-street Tips:

• Identify a safer area to go to with the person you meet, whether that’s by car or by foot. You are at a greater risk if you go home with this person, even if you know them. You don’t know who else may be there and you may be unable to leave.
• When approached by somebody in a car, keep enough distance to avoid being grabbed or assaulted. Make sure before entering the vehicle that you can see nobody is hiding in the back seat. When driving off, tell the person that your friend nearby is noting the car’s details for safety and expects you back at a certain time. Wave (or at least pretend to) to the person looking out for you.
• Know your exit routes, and if you’re in a car stay in the front and don’t allow the car to park against an object that will block your exit. If possible, keep one door ajar.
• Avoid long or loose clothing that could be used to restrain you. Keep as much clothing on as possible in case you need to run.

Off-Street Tips:

• In someone’s home or hotel room, check the address and landline number to ensure the information is correct. Again, note any potential escape routes and ask to use the bathroom – this will give you an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the layout.
• Please refer to the Resources and Links sections for more information.