As the clocks go back and the bitter winter cold begins to set in, the fear of walking alone in the streets once again is starting to grow; a fear that is very real, in particular, to the female-identifying population of Britain.
However, everyone should be vigilant and everyone has the right to feel safe wherever they may be, so here are some suggestions on how you can feel safer during this dark and dreary time of the year:
1. Entertainment during journeys is important for many, from listening to music that makes you feel happy, to podcasts that make you feel empowered; but it can often take nearly all our attention.
Try using listening devices that do not have or are not set to noise-cancelling mode, to ensure you are not completely cut off from your surroundings.
2. Another way to keep yourself alert to your surroundings is to walk on well-lit streets wherever possible.
Additionally, travelling with company can often make people feel safer, so travelling with others when possible and taking main roads which are well-populated could also be helpful.
As much as possible, avoid dark deserted streets.
3. Making sure people are aware of your whereabouts is extremely important; using tracking apps such as ‘Life360’ and (if you have an iPhone) ‘Find My Friends’ to share your location with close friends and family, can sometimes ease the worry you and your loved ones may have over your safety at night.
4. Remember, that if you ever feel unsafe, whether that be because you think someone could be following you or there are simply some street noises that are making you nervous, you are completely justified in feeling those emotions.
You can try calling/Facetiming a friend or family member to take your mind off it, and this can also deter strangers from trying to interact with you, which may be a benefit for you.
5. Another thing you can do if you feel on edge is take a short break from your journey by popping into a nearby shop.
You can take a moment, breathe and collect yourself before carrying on.
6. Some women often carry whistles on their bags to call for help if it is ever needed and it can act as an assurance to many.
These can easily be found on online stores.
These are only a few suggestions which may not be applicable to everyone but could be worth trying if you ever feel the need. If you are ever in danger, call 999.