Personal safety (VAWG)

Personal safety (VAWG)

Resident

This message is following many Violence Against Women and Girls events we have been to, personal safety when out and about is often flagged up to us and is a major concern now its darker of an evening.

Disclaimer

The following advice is provided for crime prevention awareness purposes only.

Everyone has the right to move freely and safely in the streets and parks/open spaces at any time of day or night. This advice is intended to help reduce risk, but no precaution guarantees safety, and the responsibility for crime always lies solely with the perpetrator, never with the victim.

We recognise that, and would often speak about during our engagements:

Women should not have to modify their behaviour to stay safe

Crime prevention advice should never be used to blame victims

Many women have no choice but to be outside after dark due to work, caring responsibilities, or other circumstances

The suggestions below are not exhaustive, and people should use their own judgment about what feels right for their situation

This advice should definitely be considered alongside broader community safety measures and our ongoing work to prevent offending and holding perpetrators accountable, as well as our community engagement events we hold.

Please look out for our VAWG 16 days of action starting from the 25th November to the 10th December that we will be advertising here on Met Engage. Encourage your neighbour’s friends and family to join Met Engage so they don’t miss out on any important dates and information. Feel free to offer suggestion's on what you would like us to do with regards engagement on VAWG issues as well. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

If you experience or witness a crime, please report it immediately by calling 999 in an emergency or non-emergency number101.

The crime prevention part!

Your journey out n about, coming home from work or school, out shopping or meeting friends, using public transport or on foot.

Consider your options for getting home, such as whether you can share a ride with a friend or what time the last bus or train departs.

Keeping someone informed about your plans can also add an extra layer of safety and reassurance for your loved ones.

Carrying a personal alarm can be a wise choice.

Try to use well-lit, busy streets and use the route you know best.

Children going to and from school ect - Make use of a tracker on a mobile phone so your parents know your progress. Let your parents know if your going to be running late for any reason. Try to travel with a school friend if possible.

If you think you are being followed, trust your instincts and act as confidently as you can, cross the road, turning to see who is behind you. If you are still being followed, keep moving. Head to a busy area and tell people what is happening. If necessary, call the police.

For all you joggers out there!

Especially in the Valentines Park, we would often speak with some women who are out jogging in the park and on some occasions have concerns around safety. Below are some pointers that you should consider putting to use.

Let someone know where you're going and for how long.

Consider downloading a running tracker app on which a trusted family member or friend can trace your movements.

Plan your route before going out, taking into account whether it will be a busy or well-lit area in the park.

Go running with others if possible or joining a running group. 

Consider carrying a personal alarm, to enable you to get away from an attacker by distracting them, some are designed to go round your wrist and easy to activate.

Just use one earphone to ensure you can hear anyone in your surroundings. 

If running when it is dark, wear reflective clothing so that road users can see you, bring a small torch as well if in the park and it gets darker.

Carry a small amount of cash, or your card, to enable you to get home should you need to get back in a hurry.

If you feel uncomfortable, or at risk, seek a place of safety, such as a shop or one of the cafes in valentines park, basically anywhere where there are other people, and tell someone what is happening or has happened.

Personal alarms

The purpose of a personal safety alarm is to shock as well as to distract an attacker, giving you vital seconds to get away. They can be brough for less than £10!

Important features to look out for when buying.

Sound. the sound needs to be as loud as possible. The most effective sound is continuous and over 130 decibels.

Easy to use. Your alarm needs to be easy to carry and easy to set off in one hand.

When & how to use an alarm

The primary function of a personal alarm is to distract any would be attacker, its worth getting one if you haven’t already. Please recommend them to anyone you feel could make use of one as well.

Set off the alarm, holding it as close to the attackers face as possible, then…..

Drop the alarm and make your escape. If it is by the attacker’s feet, it may also act as a visual distraction, as well as an audible distraction.

If you can attract the attention of a passers- by, get them to help you by shouting a specific instruction – such as “Call the police!” This makes it clear that you are in danger and need help and hopefully get the attacker to back off.

Remember:  Once you have set off your alarm, get away as quickly as you can, moving to a busy area if possible. Don’t wait to check that your alarm has had the desired effect; just go.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Mark Dawkins
(Metropolitan Police, PCSO, Redbridge)