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Safety Tips Car parks Some of the main places that women are attacked are in shopping centres or car parks. The most important thing to bear in mind is that the potential attacker is looking for an easy victim. There are several things that you can do to prevent yourself from becoming that victim:
* Take the time to find a safe parking space - near a building entrance/street lights if possible. Remember where you parked and remember that it may be dark when you leave so plan ahead and take a well lit path to and from your car.
* Keep your head up and stay aware of your surroundings. Keep your distance when walking past strangers in a dark area. Attackers often look for someone who is distracted so; if you are on a mobile phone or looking in your handbag, don’t be so absorbed that you are oblivious to your surroundings.
* Before getting into your car, look on either side of it, in the back seat etc. If you are parked next to a van on the driver’s side consider getting into your car via the passenger door. If there is a man sitting alone in a car on either side of you, think about going back into the shop or shopping centre and returning later, perhaps ask for a security guard to escort you.
* Once inside your car lock the doors and drive away as soon as you get in.
* Do not leave your belongings visible in your car. Put them away in the boot (esp. purses, laptops, MP3 players and shopping bags).
* Remember if approached in a car park, your chances of retreating to the building you left are nearly always better than a foot race to your car. Avoid the trap.
* If you are grabbed or are about to be, fight back! Shout, scream, and/or use a personal alarm if you have one. Attackers look for easy victims, they don’t like noise, lights and crowds of people.
Cash machines  ATM bank cash machines have been incorporated in our way of life. They offer a real convenience to those on the run, but at the same time offer an element of risk. Using a bank ATM machine safely requires awareness and a little planning. Just because a bank ATM machine is open and available 24-hours a day doesn't mean it is always safe to use it.
ATM Robbery Facts
Between 7pm and 4am, the ATMs handle only 11% of the total daily transactions but suffer 60% of the crime.
If you or your family members use ATM cash machines on a regular basis, here are some tips that can make the process a little safer:
* Only use ATM machines in a well-lighted, open, high-traffic area
* Use ATMs at inside busy supermarkets when possible
* If lights around the ATM are not working, don't use that machine
* Avoid bank ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding places
* When you approach an ATM, scan the area first for loiterers
* Have your card ready and leave quickly, not counting your cash in public
* Walk, run, or drive away immediately if your instincts tell you so
* Beware of offers for help from strangers during an ATM transaction
* Tell any suspicious male in a loud, firm voice to back-off
* Don't argue with a robber, if confronted, and give up the cash
* Don't fight with or attempt to follow the robber
* Drive or walk to a safe place and immediately call the police Taxis & Minicabs 
* If you are going to be out late or don't want to travel on public transport on your own, try to arrange a lift home with someone you know or make your journey by taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV, sometimes called a minicab).
* Taxis and PHVs give you a degree of protection because vehicles and drivers must meet suitability criteria, including local minimum standards for vehicles and a criminal record and health checks for drivers, before they are licensed by your local council (district/borough council, unitary authority or Transport for London).
* You can hail a taxi on the street or at a rank as well as pre-booking it but you can only pre-book a PHV through a licensed PHV operator (not a PHV driver).
* You should always ensure that you travel in a licensed taxi and PHV by checking the vehicle's signage or plate and the driver's badge. You should never agree to travel in an unlicensed vehicle with an unlicensed driver.
* Check that the taxi or PHV that arrives is the one you ordered. Ask for a description of the car - colour, make, etc - and check this when it arrives. You could also ask for the name of the driver beforehand.
* If you pre-book your taxi or PHV, make a note of the company you are using, and the telephone number, and if possible leave it with a friend.
* When you get to your destination, ask the driver to wait until you are inside.
* If you are approached by someone in the street offering (ie touting for) a taxi or PHV journey, ignore them. Touting is an offence.
* If travelling alone, always sit behind the driver in the back seat.
* If you feel uneasy, ask to be let out in a well-lit area where there are plenty of people.
* If in any doubt, make an excuse and don't get in the vehicle.
Jogging & Cycling 
* If you regularly go jogging or cycling, try to vary your route and time.
* Stick to well-lit roads with pavements. On commons and parklands, keep to main paths and open spaces where you can see and be seen by other people – avoid wooded areas.
* If you wear a personal stereo, remember you can’t hear traffic, or somebody approaching behind you.
* Don’t take short-cuts through dark alleys, parks or across waste ground.
* Walk facing the traffic so a car cannot pull up behind you unnoticed. Dating 
* Remember, the ability to reduce sexual assault does not mean you brought on the assault. * When you date someone for the first time, meet during the day in a public place like a restaurant, a movie, or wherever there is a crowd. Do group activities like double dating. If the two of you are alone, have lunch, not dinner. That way, you’ll build in a time limit.
* Have your own transportation. Don’t depend on your date to get you home. It’s all too common for a woman to be driven to a secluded location and then assaulted. Also carry enough money for your own meals, tickets, and so on. Don’t ever depend on anyone financially. Many men still believe that any woman they spend money on owes them sexual favours.
* Don’t use drugs or alcohol. If you do drink, know your limits. When you drink, the first thing you lose is your judgment.
* If you’re at a party, never accept a ride from someone you’ve just met. Call a licensed taxi instead.
* Watch out for men who become violent or won’t take no for an answer, even in nonsexual situations. * It’s a good idea to be clear with your date right from the start regarding your feelings about sex. Saying no is a lot easier at dinner than at your doorstep. Establish your expectations at the outset, what you will and won’t allow, when you are uncomfortable, and that “no” means NO. If you feel uncomfortable with your date’s responses or behaviours, clearly communicate those feelings.
Don’t take communication for granted. * If you invite your date in for a nightcap or coffee and he becomes aggressive, don’t hesitate to go to a friend’s or neighbour’s home to call the police.
* Don’t automatically trust everyone.
* Evaluate your own self-esteem. If it’s low, you might be attracting the wrong kinds of people. Low self-esteem leads many women to accept unacceptable behaviour from a man. Some of the warning signs, which should NOT be ignored, include mood swings, fits of anger, inability to handle frustration, sexist jokes and behaviour, overly controlling behaviour, and lack of consideration for the feelings of you or others. Does your date insult you or demean you in front of friends? Does he pressure you for sex? Abuse alcohol or drugs? If you are attracting or tolerating these kinds of people, seek counselling. * Take it slowly in the early stages of a relationship. Don’t give out your address too soon. Get to know the person thoroughly. Cultivate your relationships as you would cultivate a plant. Let them grow at a natural pace.
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