Ten Core Principles of Personal Safety

TEN CORE PRINCIPLES OF PERSONAL SAFETY

These ten concepts form the foundation of all personal safety advice and should be carefully considered when developing your

Personal Safety Plan.

1. The right to safety

It is important that you are aware of and exercise your right to safety. Unfortunately, it is not a perfect world and your personal safety may be threatened. However, similar to car insurance, you are encouraged to have safety strategies to deal with a threat to your personal safety should it arise. This does not remove your right to safety, it merely ensures that you are prepared and committed to your personal safety, should your right ever be threatened.

It is also important to acknowledge and respect that all people have the right to safety. You may choose to assist others whose right is not respected and encourage them to develop a personal safety plan to deal with threats to their safety.

2. Personal Safety Plan

All persons are encouraged to develop their own Personal Safety Plan. This Plan is useful to build confidence and a commitment to your safety by considering practical preventative strategies as well as preparing you should your safety ever be threatened. A Personal Safety Plan consists of safety strategies you choose to suit your own lifestyle and abilities. As you use your Safety Plan these strategies should become habits. A Personal Safety Plan should not involve succumbing to a list of rules provided by another person.

Many people find it difficult to think clearly and act effectively under pressure. Visual imagery is a technique that can prepare you to follow your chosen safety strategies. It simply involves imagining yourself in a particular situation whereby you successfully use chosen strategies.

3. Commitment

Being committed to your personal safety is vital to maintaining it. Many people have a strong commitment to the safety of their loved ones, and are willing to take any action required if those people were in danger, but do not have the same level of commitment to their own safety. You are encouraged to value yourself and develop a strong commitment, to your safety. This will give you the ability to actively preserve your safety by following preventative strategies and taking action should your safety be threatened.

4. Networks

Many people find it difficult to trust others with their feelings, experiences or concerns. Often people most in need of a trusted person to talk with, such as victims of domestic violence or people contemplating suicide, are the most isolated.

Developing a network of people you trust and can contact for advice or assistance in an emergency, or if you feel your personal safety is threatened, is important. People you might consider for your network are relatives, friends, community groups, neighbours and police. By talking with people we trust and gaining their support, advice and opinions we are often better equipped to handle and solve our problems. A supportive network can also increase confidence and self esteem, which has a positive impact on all aspects of our life. There are good benefits to having your own network of trusted people to talk with, as well as being a good friend or network member for others.

5. Confidence

Confidence is a valuable tool for many aspects of life. In the context of personal safety, having and displaying confidence plays a vital role in the preservation of safety. Offenders often target people they perceive to be vulnerable and who would offer them the least resistance.

As a result, many threats can be deterred if you seem confident and self-assured. Confidence is also reflected in a person’s ability to maintain their safety. A confident person is more likely to make and follow preventative safety strategies; to have faith in their own abilities; and to take action if their personal safety is threatened. A person without confidence tends to lead a restricted lifestyle, diminishing their quality of life. Having confidence enhances quality of life. It is a source of power, allowing people to do tremendous things. All successful people have confidence in their abilities.

6. Assertiveness

Assertive communication allows people to express their points of view objectively to reach an agreeable solution. It does not involve backing down (being passive) or standing over someone (being aggressive). Assertive behaviour does not come naturally to most people. However, by practising assertiveness in handling minor matters, such as advising a shop assistant if you have been short-changed or returning unsatisfactory food at a restaurant, you can enhance your ability to be assertive in other aspects of life. Assertive communication is best in most day-to-day situations. However, be aware that there may be some times when being either aggressive or passive is needed to maximise your safety.

7. Body language

Body language is a powerful tool that can be used to your advantage. By appearing confident and comfortable in your surroundings you can decrease the likelihood of being targeted as a potential victim. Strong, confident body language includes standing tall with your head up and shoulders back, and walking quickly and with a purpose. making brief eye contact with passers-by is also an effective method of demonstrating that you are not intimidated. However, be aware that other people may find eye contact intimidating or threatening.

8. Awareness of surroundings

Being aware of what is happening around you by looking at and listening to your surroundings will alert you to possible threats to your safety, before they reach you. This gives you the opportunity to remove yourself from the situation, e.g. by crossing the road. Constantly looking around can make you look vulnerable, however, so don’t overdo it. The key is to look relaxed and comfortable, rather than paranoid, thereby appearing streetwise. This decreases the likelihood of being targeted as a potential victim.

9. Trusting and acting on instincts

Your body senses danger long before your mind consciously works out why you sense it. It is vital you listen to, trust, and act on these instincts. If you do sense danger or pick up ‘bad vibes’ from someone, something or some place, you are encouraged to leave immediately and go to a place where you feel safe.

10. Keep fear of violence in perspective

Many people have a fear of crime that is significantly disproportionate to the reality of crime. This fear often results in unnecessary limitations being placed on your lifestyle. Education is the key to putting the fear of crime into perspective. By examining the common trends associated with personal violence offences, such as how often, when, where they occur and by whom, you can identify the actual likelihood of becoming a victim, and in what circumstances. You can then select and implement practical safety strategies to significantly minimize these risks. This way preventative strategies are based on the actual risk, rather than restricting your lifestyle based on an exaggerated fear. Remember: only the individual involved in the personal safety situation can assess what their best options are. “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves”. Thomas Edison

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