Safety Tips
Violence and harassment against the LGBTIQ
community is real. Not every attack can be prevented, and it
is never your fault if you are attacked or harassed. There are
things you can do to reduce your risk. Your primary
consideration should be your personal survival.
-
Stay alert. Awareness is your best
self-defense; know what is happening around you. Be
especially careful if you are alone or have been drinking.
Watch where you are going and what is going on around you.
-
Plan a safe walking route. Use
well-lit, busy streets. Keep a safe distance between you and
others, and always have an out (somewhere you can turn to
run if you feel threatened).
-
Walk with friends or a group. When
you are out late at night, have a friend accompany you -
don't go alone. If you feel uneasy, trust your instincts and
go directly to a place where there are other people.
-
Project confidence. Walk as if you
know where you're going. Stand tall. Walk in a confident
manner, and hold your head up.
-
Carry a whistle. If you feel
threatened, blow your whistle, bang garbage cans, honk your
horn, or shout to attract attention. Noise can be your most
effective defense.
-
Take action if your feel threatened.
Cross the street, change direction, run to a place where
there are other people, or walk closer to traffic. Step out
in the street on the other side of parked cars.
-
If you are being followed by a car:
turn around and walk quickly in the opposite direction. Get
the license plate number and description, if possible.
-
If you are being followed on foot:
turn around to let the person know that you have seen them.
Immediately cross the street or run toward a place where a
number of people will be.
-
If you decide to bring someone home:
introduce them to a friend, acquaintance or bartender so
that someone knows who you left with. Let your date know you
spread the word about them.
Top of Page |
Q & A
Difference between hate violence
and other forms of violence
What to do if you are the victim
Reporting harassment and violence at school to
school staff
Reporting crimes to the police
Reporting to your local
anti-violence program
Safety Tips
Related Pages
|
