Adult safety

You have the right to safety and a life without fear. The Queensland Police Service (QPS) Safer Living Program provides practical personal safety advice that aims to maximise your safety and enhance your quality of life.

Personal safety (Safer Living) community presentations

The Queensland Police Service offers free ‘Safer Living’ adult personal safety community presentations right across Queensland. Safer Living presentations provide participants with practical and effective strategies to keep yourself safe and are delivered by a trained Queensland Police Service member. If you would like to request a free Safer Living presentation for your local community group, retirement village etc. contact your District Crime Prevention Coordinator.

Core personal safety strategies

Queensland is a safe place to live however, crime does occur. Adopting core personal strategies will enhance your personal safety.

Exercise your right to safety

We all have the right to be safe.

While it is important you are aware of and exercise this right, be mindful that you also have responsibility for your own safety. Adopting practical safety strategies can help reduce the risk of victimisation and assist you to respond effectively should your safety be threatened.

Keep fear of violence in perspective

Many people have a fear of crime that is disproportionate to the actual risks they face. This can result in unnecessary limitations being placed on their lifestyle and a diminished quality of life. Your own sense of safety and comfort should be your guideline. It is important to be aware of safety risks and practical strategies to minimise risk.

For example, did you know:

• Women are more likely to be physically or sexually attacked by someone they know, often within the home.
• Men are more likely to be physically assaulted by someone they don’t know, often at licensed premises or in a public place.
• The likelihood of being a victim of personal violence significantly decreases with age (from the age of 19 years for females and 29 years for males).

Ensure that your safety network and the contact details are always kept up to date.

Be committed

Being committed to your safety is fundamental to maintaining it.

Many people have a strong commitment to preserving the safety of their loved ones, often willing to take any action if those people are in danger but lack the same level of commitment to their own safety.

Be confident

Display an air of confidence, even if it is a bluff. Attackers target vulnerability. The more confident you look the less likely you are to be attacked.

Body language can convey our thoughts reflecting confidence or fear. Stand tall with your head up, shoulders back, walk with a purpose and make brief eye contact with passers-by. Try to appear comfortable in your surroundings.

Be aware of your surroundings

Continuously surveying your surroundings in a relaxed, positive manner can alert you to potential danger, enabling you to take action to avoid it. An awareness of your surroundings will also help you identify places or people who may provide assistance, if needed.

Trust and act on your instincts

Your instincts are sound. If you pick up a bad feeling from someone, or if you feel a sense of threat or danger, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the source of potential danger. This could mean walking or running away or leaving the party or nightclub and going to a place where you feel safe.

Be assertive

Assertiveness is about using direct and honest communication that demonstrates self-respect and respect for others. By communicating assertively in everyday situations, you are indicating to others that you will stand up for yourself and therefore do not present an easy target for potential offenders.

Develop a safety network

Consider developing a safety network of trusted people who are easily contactable and can provide support and advice if you have a problem or if you are concerned for your personal safety. Your network may include friends, relatives, neighbours, work colleagues, community groups and police. 

Consider keeping the details of these contacts in a book/diary in addition to any electronic device, i.e. mobile phone or tablet, in case the device is not available in an emergency. 

Have a personal safety plan

A personal safety plan is comprised of safety strategies chosen by you to suit your lifestyle and abilities. 

It involves adopting simple preventative strategies (e.g. being aware of your surroundings and adopting positive body language) to reduce the risk of victimisation as well as strategies to respond effectively should your safety be threatened (e.g. calling for help, removing yourself safely from the threat/danger or, if necessary, physically defending yourself).

These strategies should become habits you develop as you routinely implement your plan.

Further information can be found on the Personal Safety information sheet.

Dealing with confrontation

There is no single ‘right way’ to respond to a confrontation or attack. Every situation is different. Your most effective weapons are your personal judgment and your commitment to preserving your safety.

The response you choose should aim to best preserve your safety. This decision should be based on three factors:

1. Your personal strengths

Considering your health, age, size and capability, which of the below response options are you able to execute?

2. The perceived motivations for the attack/confrontation

Is the offender attempting to steal property from you or assault you? If the offender is attempting to rob you, you need to question whether it is worth placing your personal safety at risk for the sake of property that can be replaced. You don’t know the motivation of the offender, their state or strengths, and whether there is more than one.

3. Environmental factors

Are there people around who could help?  Where could you go for safety?

Responses may include:

• Escaping, e.g. by running away.
• Reasoning with the offender.
• Doing whatever the offender tells you to, as you wait for, or create, an opportunity to escape.
• Calling upon passers-by to assist.
• Screaming.
• Handing over property.
• Distracting the offender.
• Contacting police.
• Physical self-defence, if necessary.

Remember, if the first strategy doesn’t work, try something else. Keep taking action until the threat is removed. Report the incident to police as soon as you can and in an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000). If not, think Policelink 131 444.

You can help prepare yourself to deal with an incident before it occurs by imagining possible safety threats and visualising how you would respond. Remember to be aware of your surroundings.

Situational safety strategies

The following strategies are provided as a guide only. You are encouraged to consider and implement strategies that most suit your needs and your lifestyle. In all situations, if you feel your safety is being threatened, call Triple Zero (000).

Safety in the home

General advice

• Be familiar with which neighbours you can go to in an emergency before an emergency happens and exchange phone numbers with them.
• If you know your neighbour well, you may wish to work out a communication plan with them to let them know if you are concerned for your safety (e.g. calling them on the phone, yelling out to them or flicking your lights).
• Make your home less vulnerable to would be thieves by putting in place effective home security strategies. Go to the ‘Home and multi-residential security’ webpage for further information.
• Avoid disclosing personal information to strangers by any means of communication.
• Know which doors and windows you can use in an emergency.
• Consider reviewing your personal safety plan regularly.
• Consider, if you live alone, medical and/or personal safety alarms or devices.

Visitors to the door

• Open your door only to people you know and trust. Use a peephole or a window to see who is outside and always keep your screen door locked.
• Trust your instincts and if you feel unsure do not allow someone entry to your home. If you feel unsafe call the police.
• Check the identification of unknown visitors, including service repair people, sales people and charity workers.
• If a stranger asks to use your phone, and you would like to help, consider making the call for them while keeping them outside.
• If you are home alone and feel concerned, pretend there is someone else in the house (e.g. yell out, “Katie, there’s someone at the door!”)

Confrontation in the home – by a known person

• Firmly advise the person their behaviour is not welcome. 
• Order them to leave. 
• If they refuse, leave (even if it is your home) and seek help. 
• Physically defend yourself (using reasonable force in the circumstances). 
• Seek help from an appropriate service.
• Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

Confrontation in the home – by an unknown person

When dealing with an intruder in the home, choose the option you believe will keep you the most safe. Options may include: 

• Dial Triple Zero (000) at the earliest opportunity. 
• Leave the house immediately, with other occupants if possible, and go to a neighbour or somewhere safe to contact and wait for police. 

Depending on the situation, you could: 

• Turn on all the lights (inside and out) and make as much noise as possible to attract the attention of neighbours and passersby and deter the intruder, e.g. activate your home or car alarm; or 
• Leave the house in darkness and find a safe hiding place or lock yourself in a room and call Triple Zero (000). 
• If you are alone, call out to a fictitious person, e.g. "Sophie! I’m sure I heard something, I’m calling the police." 
• If you arrive home and suspect that an intruder is inside, do not go in. Instead go to a safe place and call the police. 
• If an intruder confronts you, remove yourself from the situation quickly. If you are unable to do this, other strategies may include: reasoning with the intruder; screaming; distracting the intruder to enable your escape; and/or physically defending yourself (using reasonable force).

Safety out and about

General advice

• Be aware of your surroundings. Especially when using headphones or speaking on your mobile. 
•  If strangers approach you, use your feelings of safety as a guide. Remove yourself from the situation if you feel unsafe. It is better to be rude than unsafe. 
• Carry a mobile phone. 
• Avoid areas where you don’t feel safe, e.g. short-cuts through parks or vacant land or areas in darkness. 
• Walk in the opposite direction to the traffic. 
• Where possible, use busy, well-lit streets. 
• If confronted by a ‘flasher’ try to avoid acting shocked or upset, instead take a description and report the incident to police. 

Protecting your money and valuables

• Keep cash and valuables you carry to a minimum. 
• Use a bag that can be secured, e.g. with a zip. 
• Hold your wallet or handbag close to you. 
• Carry your bag on the side closest to the buildings, away from the road. 
• Avoid leaving your bag in a shopping trolley, on the back of a chair, under a table in public places or on the hook of a door in a public toilet. 
• Use ATMs located in public view. 
• Check the front of the ATM to ensure there are no signs of tampering. 
• Be discreet when entering your personal identification number (PIN). 
• Count and secure your money discreetly.

Safety on public transport 

General advice

• Avoid unnecessary waiting and plan your travel by consulting the TransLink website or app. 
• Advise a responsible person of your expected arrival and route. 
• Wait wherever you feel the most comfortable and safe, such as in a well-lit area near other people. 
• If you feel your safety is threatened by a fellow passenger: 
  • Respond assertively, e.g. ‘Leave me alone, or I will report you’. 
  • Move. 
  • Seek help from other passengers by asking specific people for assistance rather than making a general call for help. 
  • Activate an emergency button or use an emergency phone, if available. 
  • Report the incident to the bus driver, train guard, police or to the transport company.
• When leaving public transport, be alert to who gets off with you.
• Have a plan to get to your car or home when you get off public transport.

Public transport

• Sit wherever you feel the most comfortable and safe. If the train is empty, or nearly empty, consider sitting near the train guard or driver. 
• In an emergency, seek help by alerting the guard or pushing the emergency contact button for assistance. 
• Guardian Trains have private security officers on board for the duration of the service. Check your train timetable for details. 
• Emergency phones are available at all stations, on many busway station platforms and in some car parks. 
• Core Safety Zones (blue-and-white striped safety line on the platform) are waiting areas available at some stations that guarantee security features such as camera surveillance, enhanced lighting and access to an emergency phone.

Taxis/ride sharing

• Book a taxi via the app, phone, SMS or internet in preference to hailing one. A record is kept by taxi and ride share companies of all bookings made. 
• If possible, catch a taxi from a Secure Taxi Rank (staffed by experienced taxi rank marshals and security guards, and in some locations CCTV surveillance is in place). 
• Don’t get into a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle if the driver makes you feel uncomfortable. You are within your rights to select another taxi/vehicle. 
• In the case of taxis, take note of the taxi company and fleet number (displayed on the inside front windscreen or the left and right guards, adjacent to the doors).
• In the case of ride sharing, take note of the vehicle registration and make sure it matches the one on the ride-sharing app. 
• If you are walking a friend to catch a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle, consider letting the driver know that you have noted their details, e.g. "Look after my friend, Mr/Ms Yellow Cab No.43". 
• Some taxi companies allow you to SMS the details of your trip to them, which they record. Contact your local taxi company to determine if this service is available. 

In the taxi/ride-sharing vehicle

• Sit wherever you feel most comfortable and safe. The left rear, diagonally opposite the driver is recommended.
• You are entitled to specify the route you wish to take to reach your destination. Speak up if the driver takes a different route to the one you have specified or are familiar with. Ride sharing apps will display the proposed best route on a map in the app. 
• Stay alert to your surroundings and avoid disclosing personal information to the driver. Let the driver know if you feel the conversation is inappropriate. 
• When you reach your destination, it is up to you if you would like the driver to use the taxi lights to illuminate the path to your door. 
• You may ask to be dropped a couple of houses away if you are uncomfortable with the driver knowing your address.
• If your safety is being threatened by the taxi/ride sharing driver, ask the driver to stop. You may choose to make up an excuse to do so or leave when the vehicle stops at a traffic sign or lights. 
• If the driver refuses to stop:
  • Read out the fleet number (in taxis) and advise the driver you will report him/her if they don’t stop. 
  • Call out to someone on the street to attract attention and seek assistance.
  • For ride sharing, use in-app safety features.
  • Scream/yell at the driver to stop.
  • Do whatever you believe will best preserve your safety.

Safety in the car

General advice

• Ensure your car is in good condition and has plenty of oil, petrol, water and enough tyre tread to avoid unexpected breakdowns. 
• Consider an emergency safety kit for your vehicle comprising of a pen, torch, note paper, portable phone charger, spare change/money, contact numbers, including a breakdown service.

Parking

• Park in well-lit areas as close as possible to your destination. 
• Lock your car whenever leaving it and remove any valuables or ensure they are out of sight. 
• Remember to check your vehicle is secure and be wary of people loitering nearby your vehicle. 
• Secure your keys either on your person in inside your bag where they are not easily accessible, i.e. don’t clip them to the outside of your bag. 
• Have your key ready when you return to your car to enable quick access. Before you enter, check first (including the back seat) to ensure all is in order.

Driving

• Keep doors locked and your valuables out of sight. 
•  Plan your route. Where possible stay on main roads. If travelling in an isolated area tell someone where you are going and your estimated time of arrival. 
• Avoid picking up hitchhikers. 
• If you are being followed, or encounter an aggressive motorist, drive to a populated area, such as a service station, and seek assistance. It is best not to agitate an aggressive motorist by returning abuse or violent gestures. 
• If a passing motorist indicates that you should stop, continue driving to a populated area before getting out to check your vehicle. If you do stop to talk with a stranger, stay in the car with the doors locked and engine running and talk through a closed window. Drive away if you feel threatened. 
• If stopped by police who are not in uniform and have an unmarked car, ask to see their identification through your closed window.
• If someone gets into your car, try to attract attention and help from others, e.g. drive with the horn on, activate the hazard lights and/or stop somewhere that will attract attention. 

Breakdown

If your car breaks down, seek help and find somewhere you feel the safest to wait for assistance to arrive. You might:

• Pull off the road to a safe place (so as not to impede other traffic). 
• Call for help on a mobile phone and wait either in the locked vehicle or at a nearby populated area. 
• Leave the vehicle to seek help from a nearby house or business. In this instance, take the keys, lock doors and secure your valuables. Trust your instincts. You may feel more comfortable to stay outside and ask the occupant to call for help on your behalf. 
• If in an isolated area, you may choose to flag down a passer-by and ask for assistance. If you feel more comfortable, return to your vehicle, lock your car and talk through a closed window.

Safety in the workplace

General advice

• Be alert for suspicious people hanging around work premises. Check the identity of unknown visitors. 
• Restrict access to employee areas and secure personal valuables. 
• Avoid giving personal details or business information to strangers. 
• Avoid leaving money unattended or unsecured. 
• When banking, vary the routine (e.g. time and person banking). Be discreet in how you carry the takings. 
• Be alert for suspicious packages. Contact police if a suspicious package is received. 
• Lock doors and windows in areas that are unoccupied. 
• If you are working offsite, tell someone where you are going, who you are with and the estimated time of your return. 
• Remove employee identification when leaving the workplace.

Working early or leaving late

If you arrive or leave work in darkness or if you feel unsafe: 

• Walk with a group or ask a colleague or security guard to walk you to your car. 
• Arrange a lift with a family member, friend or colleague or be involved in a carpool. 
• Park in a populated, well-lit area, as close as possible to your workplace. 
• Stick to routes that are populated and well lit. Do not take shortcuts through dark or isolated areas. 
• Advise someone if you are working late and let them know what time you expect to be home.

Safety in the social scene

Intoxicating substances

Consuming alcohol and other drugs (including illicit drugs and medications) will lessen your judgment, reflexes and awareness of your surroundings. It is also important to understand that being around people who are consuming alcohol or drugs poses a heightened safety threat. 
If you are going to be drinking alcohol or are with friends who are, consider the following: 

• Plan how to get home safely. If you plan to drive, don’t drink. 
• Plan ahead and determine how many drinks you will have and stick to the plan.
• Don’t drink to a level where you are no longer in control. 
• Eat before and during drinking to slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream (avoid salty foods). 
• Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 
• Avoid shouts - drink at your own pace. 
• Avoid mixing drinks. 
• Avoid top-ups - finish each drink before you have another. 
• Get involved in other activities, e.g. dancing or playing pool. 
• Avoid mixing alcohol and drugs (whether they are prescription or non-prescription). 
• Don’t leave the venue with people you don’t know or trust – stay with and look after your friends. 
• Avoid situations that may lead to confrontation or conflict.

Spiked drinks

Drink spiking is when alcohol or another substance is added to someone’s drink without them knowing, often leaving them seriously vulnerable to abuse within a very short period of time.
Tips you might consider to minimise the risks of drink spiking: 

• Take your own drinks to parties. 
• Avoid leaving drinks unattended. 
• Only accept drinks from trusted people. 
• Watch your drink being poured. 
• Don’t accept an open container of drink from anyone. 
• If you feel very drunk in a disproportionate amount of time to the amount of drinks that you have consumed, immediately tell a friend or someone in authority. 
• Consider keeping your drink covered at all times eg: hand or coaster over a glass or thumb over a bottle to reduce the risk of drink spiking. 

Drink spiking is an offence and should be reported to police. 

• More information: Drugs and alcohol

How you can help others

If you become aware someone needs assistance, do something. You can help by:

• Calling the police - Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or Policelink 131 444 for other matters.
• Verbally or physically intervening (depending on the circumstances and the perceived threat to your own safety).
• Providing support to a friend/acquaintance in need.
• Referring the person to police or other agencies that may assist them.

Assist your community

While you are developing good safety strategies for yourself, consider making the community safer by:

• Being a good neighbour.
• Being a good safety network member for others.
• Being friendly, not aggressive (unless your personal safety is threatened).
• Reporting personal safety concerns to the police.
• Consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch Group. There are a number of online and/or face-to-face meeting groups across the state. Visit the Neighbourhood Watch Queensland website for more information.