Personal safety
Be aware of your safety.
It doesn’t matter if you live in a city, town or 5 miles from your nearest neighbour, personal safety is always an issue. Most of us have an attitude of “no way is that gonna happen to me” or “nothing bad ever happens round here” to our safety and we often take stupid risks. Think about it: have you ever accepted a lift home from a drunk person or done something crazy when drunk or high?
Personal safety can mean not walking home alone at night, always telling someone where you’re going, making sure you have enough money for a taxi on a night out, not accepting drinks from strangers or knowing your own alcohol limit. In this section we look at some of the more serious risks to personal safety.
Smart to safety
It’s impossible to know when your safety is at risk and attacks, muggings or accidents can happen in your hometown, a city or when on holidays. However here’s some common sense advice to reduce your chance of getting in trouble.
- Stay on the alert if you’re going home alone or drunk.
- Trust your instincts if you feel uncomfortable in a place or with someone then leave as soon as possible.
- After a night out, always try to go home in the company of friends.
- If you are lost, walk as if you know where you’re going and go into a shop or doorway to look at maps.
- If you have to walk home alone, stick to well-lit areas. Don’t take short cuts or empty streets.
- Always keep some money for a taxi at the end of the night. There’s nothing worse than being stuck 10 miles from home with only a euro in your pocket.
- If you’re attacked, shout and make as much noise as possible. If the attack continues get help as soon as you can, you’ll be in shock and will need to contact the Gardaí or police.
- If you’ve been sexually or physically attacked don’t shower or change your clothes. There might be evidence that can be used to catch your attacker.
- If you see someone being attacked shout for help and call 999.
If you or someone you know is in danger or needs urgent help or advice around personal safety you should immediately call 999 Emergency Services or call your local Garda Station.
See the help section for contacts details of support organisations.
Find more information and support:
Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI)
Web: www.rcni.ie/hlp_map.htm
RCNI provides support and information to members of rape crisis centres around the country.
National Network of Women’s Refuges and Support Services (NNWRSS)
Web: www.nnwrss.com/index.htm Email: admin@nnwrss.com Tel: 090 6479078
The Network and its membership strive for the creation of a society that accepts it's responsibility for the eradication of all forms of violence against women and their children.
AMEN
Web: www.amen.ie
AMEN is a voluntary group which provides a confidential helpline, information and a support service for male victims of domestic abuse and their children.
Women’s Aid
Web: www.womensaid.ie/ Email: info@womensaid.ie Tel: 1800 341 900
Women's Aid provides direct support services to women experiencing male violence and abuse.
Webwise
Web: www.webwise.ie/
A website providing information to parents, carers and young people on how to stay safe online.
Irish Water Safety
Web: www.iws.ie
Irish Water Safety is the statutory body established to promote water safety in Ireland.
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