Staying safe when you're out and about is important so plan ahead, take care, look out for each other and know how to get help
Personal Safety
Some young people worry about staying safe. Overall, Oxfordshire is a safe county, and violent crimes are rare.
You can help keep you and your friends safe by:
- Checking in with each other
- Avoiding arguments and risky situations
- Planning your journeys for safety
Whether you're out with friends, family, or on your own, you can do your bit to keep everyone safe.
Crucial: Find out about how to deal with violent situations from Thames Valley Police.
Out on your own
Lots of people walk home or go out alone after dark, as part of their normal lives. This should be safe.
Steps you can take to make your journey safer:
- Plan your route
- Use well lit, busy streets
- Avoid alleys or risky short cuts
Pay attention to your surroundings and be extra aware in crowded or noisy spaces.
Crucial: Some people can feel stressed in busy situations. If you feel you need to call someone you can get on a bus, or go to shops, shopping centres, library or other public locations. Some may display a Safe Haven or Safe Places sticker. You can call for help from there.
Keeping everybody safe
When you are out and about together it is everybody's responsibility to support their friends to behave in a safer way.
Public transport and taxis
Trains and buses have cameras and staff or drivers who are trained to help. But it helps to be prepared:
- Stay with friends
- Check times and timetables
- If your plans change, let someone know
If you are using taxis, pre-book, and always use licensed vehicles.
Find out more: Using public transport safely is a skill for life. Find out more about travel safety.
Drinking
For over 18s, drinking alcohol may be part of an evening out. But people who have been drinking may be more at risk.
Plan your route home carefully, and make sure you look out for your friends.
Crucial: Try to avoid routes home which take you past risks like dangerous roads and rivers.
Risky situations
If you find yourself in a situation that feels risky, you can take action to make yourself safer and help other people.
Things you can do:
- Threats, verbal abuse or assault can be reported to the police either online or call 101
- You can report someone sleeping rough via Street Link - they will be supported to solve problems
Some situations can seem more scary.
People report that they are more concerned when:
- People gather in large groups
- They make a lot of noise or disturbance
- It sounds like there are threats or bullying
If you feel unsafe when you are out and about the safest thing to do is leave and go home.
Crucial: Find out more about support available for young people who are at risk, or in trouble.
Making your area feel safer
If parts of your route feel unsafe you can take steps to help, for example learning how to report Litter and Graffiti in Oxfordshire.
Sexual, racist or homophobic harassment
Sexual, racist or homophobic harassment should not be part of an evening out. If you are harassed, report it.
Crucial: Are you or a friend being persistently targeted with sexual harassment or sexual proposals? If you are under 18, this is Child Sexual Exploitation.
Find out more
How to keep safe; and what to do if something does happen
External site
Related information pages
Staying safe online
The internet is an important part of life and learning, but you need to stay safe online
Alcohol & safer drinking
Young people are drinking less alcohol than they used to, but drinking heavily and getting drunk is still a risk
Sexual Assault & Rape
Rape and Sexual assault is when someone touches you in a way that is inappropriate and against your wishes (does not give consent), this is against the law.
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