Top ten tips to 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

Staying safe at home

Basic security

  • Make sure your house or flat is secure. Always secure outside doors. Fit barrel locks top and bottom. If you have to use a key, keep it nearby - you may need to get out quickly in the event of fire.
  • If other people such as previous tenants could still have a key to your house, change the locks. Don't give keys to workmen or tradesmen, as they can easily make copies.
  • Draw your curtains after dark and if you think there is a prowler outside dial 999.
  • 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 a woman lives there.
  • If you are selling your home, don't show people around on your own. Ask your estate agent to send a representative with anyone who wants to view your house.

    Answering the phone

  • When you answer the phone, simply say 'hello'; don't give your number. If the caller claims to have a wrong number, ask him or her to repeat the number required. Never reveal any information about yourself to a stranger and never say you are alone in the house.
  • If you receive an abusive or threatening phone call, put the receiver down beside the phone, and walk away. Come back a few minutes later and replace the receiver; don't listen to see if the caller is still there. Don't say anything - an emotional reaction is just what the caller wants. If the calls continue, tell the police and the operator and keep a record of the date, time and content of each phone call. This may help the authorities trace the caller.

    Dealing with intruders

  • What should you do if you wake to hear the sound of an intruder? Only you can decide how best to handle the situation. You may want to lie quietly to avoid attracting attention to yourself, in the hope that they will leave. Or you may feel more confident if you switch on the lights and make a lot of noise by moving about. Even if you're on your own, call out loudly to an imaginary companion - most burglars will flee empty-handed rather than risk a confrontation. Ring the police as soon as it's safe for you to do so. A telephone extension in your bedroom will make you feel more secure as it allows you to call the police immediately, without alerting the intruder.
  • If you see signs of a break-in at your home, like a smashed window or open door, don't go in. Go to a neighbour and call the police.

    Staying safe when out and about

    Walking home

  • If you often walk home alone in the dark, get a personal attack alarm from a DIY store or ask your local crime prevention officer where you can buy one. Carry it in your hand so you can use it immediately to scare off an attacker. Make sure it is designed to continue sounding if it is dropped or falls to the ground.
  • 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. Remember your safety is more important than your property.
  • Don't take shortcuts through dark alleys, parks or across waste ground. Walk facing the traffic so a car cannot pull up behind you unnoticed.
  • If you regularly go jogging or cycling, try to vary your route and time. Stick to well-lit roads with pavements. On commons and parklands, keep to main paths and open spaces where you can see and be seen by other people - avoid wooded areas. If you wear a personal stereo, remember that you can't hear traffic, or somebody approaching behind you.
  • Don't hitch-hike or take lifts from strangers.
  • Cover up expensive-looking jewellery.

    If you feel threatened

  • If you think someone is following you, check by crossing the street - more than once if necessary - to see if he follows. If you are still worried, get to the nearest place where there are other people - a pub or anywhere with a lot of lights on - and call the police. Avoid using an enclosed phone box in the street, as the attacker could trap you inside.
  • If a car stops and you are threatened, scream and shout, and set off your personal attack alarm if you have one. Get away as quickly as you can. This will gain you vital seconds and make it more difficult for the car driver to follow. If you can, make a mental note of the number and description of the car. Write down details as soon as possible afterwards.
  • Self-defence and safety awareness classes may help you to feel more secure. Ask your local police or your work if they have classes.

    Keeping safe when driving

    Before you start your journey

  • Before a long trip, make sure your vehicle is in good condition.
  • Plan how to get to your destination before leaving, and stay on main roads if you can.
  • Make sure you have enough money and petrol. Carry a spare petrol can.
  • Keep change and a phone card in case you need to make a telephone call. Carry a torch.
  • Before you leave, tell anyone you are planning to meet what time you think you will get there, and the route you are taking.

    While on your journey

  • If someone tries to flag you down, drive on until you come to a service station, or somewhere busy, and call the police. Do not pick up hitch-hikers.
  • Keep doors locked when driving and keep any bag, car phone or valuables out of sight. If you have the window open, only wind it down a little. Don't wind it down far enough to allow someone to reach in while you are stopped in traffic.
  • If you think you are being followed, try to alert others by flashing your lights and sounding your horn. Make as much noise as possible. If you can, keep driving until you come to a busy place.
  • If you frequently have to travel after dark, or if your job involves visiting people at home, consider getting a mobile phone or ask your employer to provide one.

    Keeping safe when parking

  • After dark, park in a well lit, busy place. Look around before you get out. If you're parking in daylight, but coming back for your car at night, think about how things will look in the dark.
  • Have your key ready when you go back to your car. Make sure there is no one in the car.

    If you break down

  • If your car develops problems, find a telephone. On motorways follow the marker arrows to the closest phone. They are never placed any more than a mile apart, on opposite sides of the motorway. Never cross the carriageway to use a phone.
  • While on the hard shoulder of the motorway or telephoning, keep a sharp look out and don't accept lifts from strangers - wait for the police or breakdown service. Don't wait in the car - there is a high risk of an accident. Wait on the embankment nearby with the front passenger door open. If someone approaches you or you feel threatened, lock yourself in the car and speak to him through a small gap in the window.

    Staying safe in taxis

  • If you are going to be out late, try to arrange a lift home or book a taxi. Check that the taxi that arrives is the one you ordered. Ask for a description of the car - colour, make, etc - and check this when it arrives. If you gave your name when you booked, check that the driver can tell you it before you get in. When you get home, ask the driver to wait until you are inside.
  • There are many reputable mini-cab or private hire car companies, but these must be booked either at their office or by phone. In some cases the driver will carry identification. Always keep the number of a reliable firm handy. Avoid mini-cabs or private hire cars that tout for business.
  • Always sit behind the driver.
  • If you feel uneasy, ask to be let out in a well-lit area where there are plenty of people
  • If in any doubt, don't get in a taxi.

    Staying safe on public transport

  • Try to stay away from isolated bus stops, especially after dark.
  • On an empty bus, sit near the driver or conductor.
  • On a train, sit in a compartment where there are several other people. Check to see where the emergency chain is.

    Advice for men

    Men can help by taking the issue of women's safety seriously in their everyday lives. Bear these points in mind:

  • If you are walking in the same direction as a woman on her own, don't walk behind her - this may worry her. Cross the road and walk on the other side. This may reassure her that you are not following her.
  • Don't sit too close to a lone woman in a railway carriage or bus.
  • If you are thinking of chatting to a woman waiting, for example, at a lonely bus stop, remember that she won't know that you mean no harm.
  • Realise how threatening actions such as staring, whistling, passing comments and jostling can be, particularly when you are one of a group of men.
  • Help female friends or family members by giving them a lift or walking them home when you can. If you do, make sure they are safely indoors before you leave.