Walking Out at Night: A Survival Guide

Don't believe all the bad press! Contrary to popular belief, it is not women, but young men aged between 18 - 25 who are most at risk from un-provoked violent attack. The chances of you becoming a victim are slim. However it is foolish not to take some basic precautions. Take a look below at some tips that may help you...

Before you set out...
Tell someone where you are going, what route you are taking and what time you expect to be back.

Stick to well-lit routes...
Keep to roads that are lit, so that you can see who is about. Avoid alleys, parks and public gardens. Walk facing the traffic, It makes it harder for anyone to drive up and stop behind you. You are also able to see vehicle occupants more easily.

If you think you're being followed...
Cross the road and slow down. Discreetly observe what the person does. Try crossing again. If they too cross over, or slow down, then seek help. Even without doing the "test" above, if you feel frightened, head for the nearest place with other people about. e.g. a pub. Don't be afraid to knock on a complete stranger's door either. Your safety must come first.

If you are alone in a bar...
Make sure that you find a seat at the bar and that you face the door, so that you can see everyone who comes in. Speak to the bar staff. Make sure that they are aware of you. If you need to visit the Ladies, mention it to the staff (as if in passing). Such contact will ensure that you will be remembered should anything happen to you..

If anything happens, or if anyone frightens you...
tell the police straight away. Don't worry, you will be taken seriously and if everything turns out to be OK, you won't be criticised. Don't think "What if I'm wrong?" Put yourself first.

What else can I do?...
Carry a mobile 'phone. Make sure that the person you are meeting knows the number and knows what time you are due to arrive. If possible, telephone home when you are about to return.

Carry a personal attack alarm. These only cost £5 and can be purchased at the Crime Prevention Centre, located at 17 Arndale Walk, Wandsworth Shopping Centre, London SW15, (telephone 020 8871 0803). Staff will also be happy to advise on any other aspect of crime prevention between 9am and 5pm Monday to Saturday.

The same alarms can also be purchased at the Putney Crime Shop, next to the Odeon Cinema in Putney High Street. It is open to callers between 10am and 5.30pm and can be contacted by telephone on 020 8785 8874.

Should the worst happen...
The police will treat you sympathetically and with respect. Do you best to co-operate and give them as much info as possible. If you have been sexually attacked, please do not shower, bath or change your clothes before being seen by the police, as vital evidence might be lost.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT : What To Do If Attacked.

Do Not....Kick your attacker in the groin. Your assailant 's body will have undergone many chemical changes; adrenalin will be pumping, blood will be sent to the areas he may need to use (e.g. arm and leg muscles) and so on. He will probably react with rage rather than pain, if he is hurt down there. Any defensive attack on your assailant should be aimed at his bony bits...Shins, Nose, Elbows etc.

DO...Immediately you sense danger .....Shout: "Stop. Stay Away!" Repeat as often as necessary. Get out your alarm and be ready to use it. If he still approaches you, activate the alarm.

DO...If grabbed....Shout "No, No, No!" as loud as you can. Activate your alarm and, if possible, shove it in his face.

DO...If grabbed from behind...shout as above and scrape the edge or heal of
your shoe down his shin, raking his flesh from knee to ankle. Follow through
by grinding your heal into his foot.

The intention is to distract him with pain so that you can break free and run for help. Believe me...it will work! Activate your alarm and continue shouting.

DO NOT shout passive, submissive things like, "Help Me" or "Save Me" This conveys weakness to your attacker and may intensify his attack. Instead, shout aggressive, commanding phrases such as "No!", "Back off!" or "Get Off Me!"

Unfortunately, there are too many possible scenarios for me to cover here. I suggest that you contact your local police or crime prevention panel, and ask if they run personal safety courses. Many do, and they are inexpensive (or free) and provide some invaluable knowledge.

Self Awareness Courses for Women
Sergeant Eleanor Allen and officers from Putney Police organise 'self-awareness' courses for women aged over 18. These are run on a regular basis and consist of four two hour sessions of instruction and courses cost £13 which includes insurance cover. You do not have to be super fit to take part.

To join one of these, please ring Eleanor on 020 8785 8874, call in and speak to or write to her at Putney Police Shop, Jubilee House, 230 - 232 Putney Bridge Road, Putney, London SW15 2PD. The entrance to the shop is located next to the Odeon Cinema in Putney High Street..