Bristol School of Self Defence

Personal safety is not just a women's issue, it affects men as well!

FACT:

Men are twice as likely to be the victim of a violent attack as women.

SAFETY TIPS:

Don't be flash with your cash or mobile phones. Keep their use discreet and
put them away after use. Don't carry them in an obvious manner. Try not to
carry your wallet in your back trouser pocket where it is vulnerable and in clear
view
Think about where you are going and how to get there. Plan your route to avoid
deserted streets and dark parks or alleyways. Consider pre-booking a taxi or
arrange a lift from a friend. Always make sure you have enough money to get
home
Walk purposefully and try to appear confident.
Avoid wearing headphones or chatting on your mobile when walking down the
street alone, as this will prevent you from hearing any danger warning signals.
Be wary of casual requests from strangers, like someone asking for a
cigarette or change - they could have ulterior motives
Carry a personal attack alarm. They are not just for women. Use it to shock and disorientate an attacker. This will gain vital seconds for you to get away.
If you hear or see trouble ahead, then cut off or turn around before you get to it and head to the nearest safe place, such as a garage, police station or anywhere where there will be lots of people.
Remember, alcohol severely affects your ability to make safe judgements. The majority of violent attacks on young men take place in or around licensed premises. Think about how much you drink and the type of places you go drinking.
Plan your journey home before your first drink rather than after your tenth.
If you are trapped in an aggressive situation, then try and stay calm and talk your way out of it. Physical self-defence should only be a last resort. It limits your options and commits you to a fight you could lose. It is not weak to walk away from violence.
Avoid an aggressive stance: crossed arms, hands on hips or a raised arm is challenging and confrontational. Avoid looking down on anyone or touching someone unnecessarily.
Avoid using unlit or isolated cash machines.
Keep fit. Good posture, stamina, strength and tension control can all aid personal safety.
Be aware how you come across when you’ve been drinking. Ask your mates. Sometimes
people can inadvertently attract trouble by the way they behave when they are drunk.
If you have a friend whose behaviour or attitude (drunk or sober) attracts trouble, pick a good
time and have a word with them. Make it clear that you are not going to be dragged into
violence because of their stupidity.
Steer clear of trouble - if you see any trouble or suspect that it might be about to start -
keep clear. The best thing you can do is to alert the police and keep away.
If someone is becoming agitated or aggressive, don’t crowd them. Invading someone’s personal space will only make them more uptight and defensive and therefore more likely to become violent.
If you see someone else being attacked, it is not always the best idea to rush over to help as this could escalate the problem and you too could end up being attacked. It may be better to stand back at a safe distance and call loudly for help and use your mobile to phone the police. Seeing what you are doing should stop the attacker, whilst leaving you safe.
Report any incident as soon as possible. You may save someone else.
Never assume it won't happen to you. Nobody is invincible. Even though the risks are slight, they are there – so think about your personal safety and don’t become another victim.

Advice provided by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Avon & Somerset Police