Safety in social situations

You don’t need to feel unsafe every time you leave the house, but you should think about your safety in different situations.

Parties and gatherings can be a fun way to spend time with friends and to meet new people. Most of the time, parties are quite safe, but sometimes things can happen that make a party risky. Keep yourself safe by being prepared.

• Make sure someone knows where you are going to be, and take your cell phone so you can call someone if you need help.
• Go to parties with a friend and watch out for each other. Make sure you all have a safe way to get home.
• Pour your own drinks, and don’t leave your drinks unattended.
• Trust your instincts – if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, get out of the situation. Call a friend, or find a safe way to get home.

The Centre for Young Women's Health has more suggestions on keeping safe in social situations, and the Urge has advice for young people about partying and safe choices.

The Police website has some tips on being safe on the streets and at parties or pubs.