Whitehall 1212
Former Member
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2019
- Messages
- 1,897
- Reaction score
- 7,226
Thank you so much Whitehall for this long, very informative post. Respectfully shortened by me because anybody who wants can refer back to your original for the complete information.
UBM - Sadly according to what a former boyfriend of SE is quoted as saying about her on Thread #15, post 772 (savvy and streetwise etc), it sounds as if she might well have been able to act in accordance with your suggestion here, had she only known. I don't think I'm the only person who might not be able to. When under stress, I go into Freeze (instead of Fight or Flight) and can't even think properly never mind defend myself verbally. Unfortunately somebody in a uniform with appropriate ID will know they have a good chance of getting away with it because of Freeze response in some people.
RIP Sarah.
I think the best I can offer is what I would do as a guy walking somewhere, generally at night, on my own because I have no option
1. Phone/wallet/purse away/bag concealed or worn securely
2. Headphones off
3. Know your route
4. Know where you are - download What 3 Words to your phone. Police will accept this instead of a geographical locn
5. Walk in well lit areas where possible
6. Walk on the pavement side near the road at night
7. Be aware of your surroundings.....are people walking towards you, catching up behind you, crossing the road towards you? If so cross over the road to keep your distance and keep an eye out.
8. Don't approach any unmarked cars even if they stop and beacon you over, shout at you
9. If concerned go to a well lit area where there are other people, e.g. shop, petrol station etc
10. Phone 999 if you need help
Be aware of your surroundings is the best and keep moving purposefully. If you are not in range you can't be a target
This is sensible common sense stuff. I know we don't like to feel we have to change a potential threat, but avoidance is always better than confrontation.
I always lock my car doors when driving. In cities where car jacking is a happening I always leave plenty of room from the car in front when stationary or at traffic lights, so that I can pull out and get out, if a car boxes me in from behind.
It's all about being aware, not being scared because you have a plan to get from A to B and you're switched on to it.