Safety Advice
Your personal safety is precious.
For tips and advice on staying safe in any of these situations, follow the link below.
SECTIONS
In the Home
IF YOU FEEL THREATENED
A home is a haven away from the world. It's the place we're at our most comfortable and relaxed. Which is why it's important to be prepared should your safety suddenly come under threat. By remembering these four steps, you'll be able to help keep yourself and your family safe.
- Go to a safe place
- Call Triple Zero (000)
- Do your best to stay calm and think as clearly as possible
- If you can, put a physical barrier between you and the threat
HOW TO BE PREPARED
The best way to protect against a threatening situation in the home is to plan ahead. You can do this in a number of ways, beginning with these helpful tips and tricks. And before you know it, your home will be as safe as houses.
Make sure your home is secure
- Check that the locks on all your windows and doors are working
- Buy timers for your lights, TV and radio
- Ensure your alarm and locks meet Australian standards
Don't be a stranger
Make an effort to introduce yourself to neighbours and do what you can to maintain a friendly relationship. If you know each other, you'll be more likely to look out for each other's safety.
Don't open the door to people you don't know
Before opening the door, ask who's there. If it's a stranger, continue the conversation through a locked screen door. If someone asks to use your phone, simply direct them to the nearest public phone box, or make the call on their behalf, leaving them outside your home.
Don't give out personal details
Try not to give people on the phone or at the door your personal details, like marital status, working hours, employment and the number of people living at the house. If a company or institution needs your information, they can request it in writing.
Check the credentials of tradespeople
If you're not sure they are who they say they are, don't let them in. Ask for formal identification and ring their company to double check.
Don't let kids answer the phone
If your children are home alone, it's better that they don't answer the phone. By letting calls go through to message bank, people won't be able to obtain information about your whereabouts.
Trust your instincts
If you think someone is inside your home, don't enter the house. Call the police on Triple Zero (000) right away.
Stay out of sight, at a safe distance from the house. If you see the intruders leave, take note of their appearance and car registration, make and colour.
In Busy Places
IF YOU FEEL THREATENED
If you begin to feel threatened in a busy public area, remember that other people may be your best protection. Try to remember these simple steps to stay safe.
- Do your best to draw the attention of people nearby
- Go to a safe place where there are people
- Be overt and call Triple Zero (000)
HOW TO BE PREPARED
By thinking about your personal circumstances, and trying to imagine potentially dangerous situations in advance, you'll feel more confident when you're out and about. You can start by reading through these helpful hints.
Don't put your valuables on show
If possible, try to keep anything of value hidden from view while you're in public.
Be confident
Hold your head high, walk with purpose and stay aware of your surroundings.
Go against the flow
If possible, walk on the footpath facing oncoming traffic
Be observant
Keep a look out for people who appear suspicious or try to distract you. It's important to keep a safe distance and call for help if you need it.
Don't leave home without your mobile phone
Whatever the reason for stepping out, always carry your mobile. If out of range, the emergency number from mobile phones is 112.
Keep one ear free at all times
When listening to music, only put the headphones in one ear. Keeping one ear free will ensure you can hear anyone coming up behind you.
Stick to well lit roads at night
Avoid roads and paths without working streetlights. You should also vary your route regularly, if you can.
Be an active participant in your community
Apart from getting a kick from serving their community, connected people generally feel safer and more confident.
Think about taking exercise or self-defence classes
On Public Transport
IF YOU FEEL THREATENED
If you come under threat while on a train, bus or tram, or while waiting to catch public transport, it's important to follow these steps.
- Alert public transport staff or other passengers to help
- Call the police on Triple Zero (000)
HOW TO BE PREPARED
Whether you're heading out, going to work, or making your way home at night, you'll feel more empowered if you take the time to plan for potentially threatening situations. These rules of thumb will help you stay safe while you're on the move.
Plan your journey before you leave
Before catching public transport, think ahead to minimise the time you spend waiting at train, bus or tram stops at night.
Make sure you can be seen
Choose a clear, well lit walking path to and from the station and stand where you can be seen at all times.
Make an effort to locate safety features
While you're travelling, or waiting to catch public transport, take the time to locate nearby safety features. These may include emergency buttons, CCTV cameras, safety zones and public transport staff.
Keep your valuables secure and out of sight
Try to keep your valuable items secure and concealed. If you're carrying a bag, hold onto it at all times.
Park as close as possible to the station
When parking your car at the station, try to park as close as you can to the building. Get ready in advance by having your keys in your hand when you leave the train, bus or tram.
Stay alert and take note of suspicious people
In Quiet Places
IF YOU FEEL THREATENED
If you're alone and feel threatened, it's important to remain as calm as possible. Follow these four steps to protect your safety.
- Try to move to a well lit public place
- Raise an alarm and draw attention to the situation
- Make a safe distance between you and the threat
- Call the police on Triple Zero (000)
HOW TO BE PREPARED
You can't always plan to be in company when you're out in public but you can take steps to prepare for situations when you find yourself alone. By reading through this advice, you'll feel more assured when you're out and about.
Avoid walking in dark isolated places
Don't go under the radar
Before you set out, try to let people know where you are going. A short text could be all it takes to keep you safe.
Where possible, try to walk in groups
Trust your instincts
Whatever it will take to improve your safety and make you feel more comfortable, do it.
If Someone has a Weapon
IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS CARRYING A WEAPON
If someone nearby is carrying a weapon, try to remain calm and remember these steps.
- Try to make a distance between you and the threat
- If people are around, try to move towards them
- Keep an eye on the person and call Triple Zero (000)
- Remember the appearance of the person and details of the weapon
- If the person gets into a vehicle, try to remember the registration number, make and colour
HOW TO BE PREPARED
The addition of a weapon to any situation can make it more threatening. These tips will help you keep calm and in control.
Keep yourself safe
Your own safety should be the priority. Advise others of the threat if it's safe to do so.
Trust your instincts
Whatever it will take to improve your safety and make you feel more comfortable, do it.
On the Road
IF YOU FEEL THREATENED
Road rage can be a problem we all face when driving. Follow these basic steps in the event you come under threat.
- Remain in your car at all times
- Obtain the registration number and report the incident to police
- If you're in fear, call Triple Zero (000)
- If you are being followed, do not go home
- Do not turn off and drive into unfamiliar areas
- Drive to a police station or service station where you can get help and attract attention
HOW TO BE PREPARED
These days, road safety is about more than just learning the road rules. You can protect against road rage and other threatening situations on the road by taking some time to plan your response in advance.
Whatever you do, remain in your car
To stay protected on the road, don't get out of the vehicle if you feel unsafe and don't pick up hitch hikers.
Keep your tank full of fuel
Make sure you always have enough petrol to complete your journey. If you can't trust your petrol gauge, keep a jerry can of fuel in the boot.
Plan your route in advance
Remember that smartphones and tablets can go out of range. Try to plan your trip before you leave the house.
Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy
Try to avoid breakdowns by keeping up to date with services.
Always take note of where you parked
Take a mental picture when you step out of the car, especially if you're returning when it's dark.
Get your keys ready in advance
Avoid fumbling around in your bag; always have your keys in hand when you get to your car.
Consider locking your doors and windows while driving
Family Violence
IF YOU FEEL THREATENED
If a family member is threatening your safety and you need immediate police assistance, follow these steps.
- Move to a safe place and call Triple Zero (000)
- Try to keep a barrier between you and the threat
HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF SAFE
Family violence is any violent, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviour that occurs in current or past family, domestic or intimate relationships. It can include physical assault, sexual abuse, emotional and economic abuse or pet abuse.
If you believe you are a victim of family violence, you can protect your safety in the following ways.
Report it to Police
You can report family violence directly to police or somebody can do it on your behalf.
Police will refer you and your family to specialist services for on-going support.
Contact specialist services directly
If you're not comfortable contacting police, you can seek advice (intervention, support and advocacy) directly from the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188 or 03 9322 3555 (24-hour Crisis Line).
Apply for a Family Violence Intervention Order
A Family Violence Intervention Order will ensure you get assistance from police and the courts.
Go to the Helping Others page
