Staying safe

Feeling safe is something everyone deserves. Sometimes there might be situations that make you feel scared or uneasy. But don’t worry, there are many ways to help you feel safer. If you have been affected by a crime, we’re here to help you. We want to make sure you feel supported and safe. Remember, you’re not alone and we’re here for you.

Whatever you’re going through, Victim First Futures can help you.

Here are a few things you can do to stay safe:

• If you have to walk alone at night take extra care. Stay on roads that are well lit and relatively busy.
• Avoid short cuts that involve alleyways or walking across parks unless they are well-lit.
• If you are waiting for a bus or a train, stand in a well-lit area near other people. Once you are on board, try and sit near other people and make sure you know where the emergency alarms are.
•  Don’t be afraid to change seats or carriages if you feel unsafe, even if it seems rude to do so.
• Let someone you trust know where you are and update them on where you will be or if you will be running late.
• Be mindful that alcohol and drugs will reduce reaction times, which makes it harder to assess risks and decide how to deal with them.
• Find out more about making safer choices online and on social media.

How Victim First can support you to feel safe:

At Victim First Futures our caseworkers can support with:

• Providing you with crime prevention measures such as a purse bells, anti-spiking bottle stoppers, and a personal alarm to carry around with you when you are feeling unsafe.
• Creating a safety plan, to use when you are feeling unsafe in different situations.
• Creating a safe space to speak to your caseworker about how you are feeling and how to keep safe.
• Helping you to speak to the police or your parents if you want to.

Remember, you don’t have to face this on your own. We are here to talk to you, whenever you are ready.

Reporting a crime

If you think you have been a victim of a crime and want to report a crime, you can tell a parent, carer or adult you trust. Victim First Futures can also help you with this if you are unsure.

• If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 999.
• If it is not an emergency but you still want to report something to the police, you can call 101 or report online via Report a crime | Leicestershire Police (leics.police.uk)