1. Have a safety plan

Having a safety plan means thinking about what you would do if you felt unsafe or threatened. It's like a fire drill.

Planning ahead or thinking about possible options may help you think more clearly when faced with a problem and give you the confidence to carry out the plan. There are no hard and fast rules about what to do. Trust your instincts and do what makes you feel safe.

Consider self defence training. It teaches you physical and psychological ways of protecting yourself and deterring physical attacks.

Develop a network of people you trust and can contact for advice or assistance in an emergency e.g. relatives, friends, neighbours and police.

2. On public transport

Bear these tips in mind for safer travel:

• Where possible, sit with others.
• If you are harassed or assaulted, complain loudly to draw attention to yourself.
• Check timetables in advance - avoid long waits at platforms, particularly in the evening. Stay in well lit areas or wait near local shops.
• Park as close to the station as possible and have your keys ready when you leave the station.

3. On the street

To protect yourself on the street:

• Walk purposefully and be aware of your surroundings. Take notice of street names and the location of public phone boxes.
• At night, if possible, keep to major well lit streets and avoid dark areas.
• If you think you are being followed, walk close to the road, or cross to the other side.
• When using an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), look around first to make sure nobody is watching you. Try to use your body as a shield to prevent anyone seeing you enter your PIN. Immediately place all cash in your wallet/pocket - never count it in front of the ATM.
• Bags should be held closely and carried on the side of your body furthest from the road. If your bag is grabbed, release it, and if possible, empty the contents onto the ground. This will prevent injury and may deter the thief from stealing all your property i.e. car keys, personal items etc. Don't carry large sums of money.
• Dining out (Dine Smart).

4. In your car

To protect yourself when using your car:

• Check the inside of your car by looking through the windows before getting in.
• Consider driving with the doors locked and passenger windows wound up.
• If you are being followed, find a place where you can get help/attract attention such as a police station/convenience store/open service station.

5. In your home

To protect yourself at home:

• Always ask who is at the door first before opening it. Only talk to strangers via a locked security door.
• Request formal identification of anyone requesting admittance, including police and tradespeople.
• If a stranger asks to use your phone, direct them to the nearest public phone box or make the call for them. DO NOT LET THEM IN.
• Don't give personal details over the phone to strangers e.g. marital status, hours of work.
• Teach your children not to speak to strangers on the phone or on the street.
• If you suspect an intruder is inside the house DO NOT ENTER THE HOUSE - use your mobile phone or go to a neighbour and phone the police (000). Keep out of sight and a safe distance from the house. If you see them leave, take note of their personal descriptions and car rego/make/colour.