Street Safety

While no one can guarantee your safety when you're out and about there are a number of strategies you can use to significantly reduce the risk of violence.

We all have a right to be who we are. We all have the right to be safe.

Unfortunately, sometimes being who we are attracts unwanted attention. This can include homophobically motivated abuse or violence. This is a crime.

Here are some suggested tips and simple strategies to help keep you and your friends safe this summer.

Street Safety on Facebook:

Join "Safe Spaces" on Facebook

"Drag Jam" Facebook Event

Avoiding violence on the street

If you are walking in the street (especially at night) you can:

Stay alert. Being aware of your surroundings is your best defence
Avoid walking into situations that will draw unwanted attention, eg. groups of young men, outside certain pubs
Arrange to meet a group and walk to the venue together
Walk with others. Stick close to a friend or a group of ‘safe’ looking people like other gays or lesbians or groups of women
Keep enough money for a taxi or bus
Walk in well lit areas. Avoid dark areas or back streets
If you are on a quiet street walk down the middle of the road (mind the cars though!)
Walk in the opposite direction to the traffic flow to avoid a car pulling up behind you
Where possible, avoid doorways, bushes etc where an attacker might hide
Remember that alcohol can make people aggressive and unpredictable

Groups of young men

We know that the vast majority of street-based homophobic violence is perpetrated by groups of young men travelling together. If you see such a group you can:

Cross the road. Try not to draw attention to yourself
Avoid making eye contact
Avoid walking through the middle of the group. Go around them
Avoid walking between the group and walls etc. Try to ensure you have a clear escape route if you need it

General safety tips

There are a few other strategies you can use to help keep safe.

Consider carrying a whistle or personal alarm
Stay alert for homophobic signals like comments and stares
Project confidence
Do a self-defence course
Have your house or car keys ready before you get to your door so that you aren’t fumbling around
Know the trouble spots, eg. outside certain pubs, and either avoid them or be extra careful when near them
If you feel unsafe seek support or assistance from a venue, business, taxi, bus or another person.
When going to or from an event in costume, fetish wear or other clothing which stands out, consider wearing a coat, jacket or other covering
Travel to and from venues / parties with a friend or by taxi
We all have a right to show affection in public, but keep in mind that showing affection in public can make it easier to identify you as lesbian or gay
Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right get away. You may not be right about the situation but it is better to be safe
Take care of and look out for your mates

If confronted by violence

If you are confronted with verbal abuse or physical violence, try to remain calm
Try not to escalate the situation by responding
Try to get away as fast and as safely as possible. Find a place where there are people
Notify staff/security if you are at a venue
If you are being attacked, do what you can to attract attention – you could use a whistle or personal alarm

Getting support or information

Report any harassment, violence or threats of violence to the police
Report homophobic violence, abuse, harassment or threats to ACON’s Anti-Violence Project (AVP). The AVP can also offer support, information, advocacy and referral
Report transphobic violence, abuse, harassment or threats to the Gender Centre’s Anti-Violence Project (TAVP). The TAVP can offer support, info, advocacy, referral
In an emergency dial 000