Respect… when you’re out and about

This Fact Sheet gives you safety tips for a whole range of situations. For any situation you may encounter it’s about:

-       confidence
-       body language
-       awareness of your surroundings
-       forward planning
-       good decision making
-       trusting your gut and
-       respecting yourself and others!

If you like this Fact Sheet and want to know more, check out our other Fact Sheets:

• Respect & dating
• Respect & alcohol and/or other drugs
• Respect & sex
• Respect & online chatting

Remember, in everything you do – it’s about what’s ok and what’s not ok for you.

Getting around

The safest way to get around is to get a lift with someone responsible. But if you have to take public transport, keep the following things in mind:

• Plan your journey using a timetable. This will mean you keep the delays and waiting to a minimum. Late at night this can be a good way to reduce risk
• If you have to wait then position yourself in the safest place you can, like at a well lit bus stop or train station. Once on board you may feel safest near other passengers or near the driver or transport guard
• Have a plan for how you’re getting home once off the train or bus. If parking at the station, park in a well lit area and have your keys ready in your hand. If you’re getting picked up, call your lift before you get there so you don’t have a long wait alone
• If you do feel unsafe ask one of the transport guards to help you.

Catching a taxi home

A taxi may be an easy way to get home at night but it’s important to think about your safety when getting a taxi.

• Book a taxi rather than just hailing one from the street and make a note of the company that you made the booking with
• Be sure the taxi is from the company you made a booking with and ask the driver what name the booking is for
• Put the registration and driver number in your phone or even text it to a friend
• You are allowed to choose the way you are taken home.  Speak up if the driver is going a way you aren’t familiar with
• Always sit in the back, never in the front with the driver as this could give the wrong message to the driver.

Using ATMs

ATMs can make you vulnerable because when you’re withdrawing cash you can be seen as an easy target by some undesirable people. So keep these safety tips in mind:

• Be aware of what’s going on around you when withdrawing money
• Count your money away from the ATM and out of sight
• Use your hand or body to shield the machine as you enter yourPIN
• If someone suspicious is hanging around consider cancelling your transaction or taking out a smaller amount of money
• When using ATMs at night try to use one that is well lit and not isolated
• Have a friend with you
• ATMs in service stations or supermarkets can be a safer alternative.

Protecting your bag and valuables

There are a few precautions you can take to protect your bag and valuables.

• Keep your bag or backpack close to you where it cannot be easily taken or snatched
• Only have the valuables in your bag that you need with you
• Don’t put your name or address on your house or car keys
• When you’re out don’t leave your bag on the seat, floor or hanging over the back of chair where it can be easily taken.

Run with someone

It is always safer to walk or run with someone. But if you are heading out for a walk or run on your own, keep these things in mind:

• Be confidently aware of your surroundings
• Use well lit roads, paths and parks where people can see you and you can see other people
• Consider carrying some identification and money or a mobile phone
• Be aware that loud music blaring from your headphones can make it harder for you to be aware of what’s going on around you and easier for someone to sneak up on you.

Be prepared

Be prepared for anything.

• Have a plan about where you’re headed, how you’re going to get there, how you’re going to get home, and what you’re going to do if you get separated from your friends.
• Always carry your mobile phone and make sure it is fully charged and with credit as this is an easy way to find your friends or call someone for help if you do get into a sticky situation.

Have company

Having company when you’re out especially if it’s dark and late at night is safer. 

• If heading out with friends, wherever it may be, stick together and head home together. Look after your friends and make sure each other get home safely.
• If you are leaving with someone else, let your friends know who you are leaving with and organise to text or call one of your friends when you get home safely.
• Always have company when using public toilets.

Going out to drink and/or take other drugs?

To be safer when you’re heading out and you think you might be drinking and/or using drugs there are a number of things to keep in mind. To find out all about these check out the Respect & Alcohol and other Drugs Fact Sheet.

When out and about at festivals

Festivals are often all day, or even over a couple of days, so if you’re drinking and/or taking other drugs reduce the risk.

• Drink plenty of water and eat even if you’re having a booze and drug free festival. If it’s hot you don’t want to be getting so dehydrated you feel sick or pass out from heat stroke.
• Stick with your friends if heading to a festival or somewhere where there are going to be lots of people as it’s easy to get separated and not very safe if you’re on your own (or much fun!). Have a planned meeting spot if you get separated.

Trust your instincts

All the tips above will help you be safer when you’re out and about, wherever that may be. But ultimately keeping yourself safe is about trusting your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or your gut is telling you something isn’t right, then listen to it and find a way out of the situation or find someone who can help.

Remember, in everything you do – it’s about what’s ok and what’s not ok for you.