Personal Safety

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.