Personal safety: protect yourself

Every woman should take her personal safety seriously. Check out this advice from the Home Office

1. Use only your surname and initials in the telephone directory and on the doorplate. That way a stranger won't know if a man or woman lives at your address. Be safe at home

2. If other people such as previous tenants could have keys to your house, change the locks. Don't give keys to workmen or tradesmen. Dealing with intruders

3. When walking home, walk facing the traffic so a car cannot pull up behind you unnoticed. Be safe when out and about

4. If you often walk home alone, invest in a personal attack alarm. Make sure it is designed to continue sounding if dropped. What to do if you feel threatened

5. When out, carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards. Carry your house keys in your pocket. If someone grabs your bag, let it go.

6. Avoid mini-cabs or private hire cars that tout for business. Reputable mini-cab or private hire companies can only be booked at their office or by phone.

7. When in a taxi, always sit directly behind the driver. Tips on taxi safety

8. If someone tries to flag you down when driving, drive on until you come to a service station or somewhere busy and call the police. Do not pick up hitch-hikers.

9. Keep doors locked when driving and keep valuables out of sight. How to keep safe when driving

10. Make sure the men in your life take the issue of your - and other women's - safety seriously. Tips for men