Issue 01: Safety Tips for the Sassy Partygoer
I started going out when I was 15. At that time, we had no mobile phones, no internet, no Uber, but on the up side, you could enter any club without an ID. Things have evolved since I was a teen, and in 2020, it has never been easier to enjoy a night out safely, thanks to all our current technology, and yet, there is still room for vigilance, as when it comes to ill- intentioned people, they will wait for your guards to be down to strike.
So IMTAC, has compiled a list of steps you can take to make your night out as stress-free as possible, for yourself and those around you.
Look around to identify people you know or trust (if out alone) and stick with them. If some people make you feel uneasy, get away from them.
FAMILIAR FACES
If you feel unwell at any moment, tell your friends, doorman, even the bar staff. DO NOT follow strangers if you are not feeling in control.
FEELING UNWELL
When out with female friends, always check on each other at regular intervals. Listen to their opinion if they are concerned about you, and voice your own if you feel uncomfortable with their behaviour.
FRIENDS RULE
If a man or boy you don’t know approaches you, stay in plain view. If you separate from your friends to have a quiet chat somewhere, let them know beforehand.
VISIBILITY
You’re there, your friends are around, as well as a multitude of strangers and you may want to meet new people, so how will you know friends from foes?
TIPS FOR TEENS
Going back home
First and foremost, try to not overdo it with the drinks, especially if you are by yourself. Know your limit. Being carried out of a nightclub covered in vomit is never a cool look!
By Bus
If alone, sit by the driver, ask them to remind you of your stop if you feel you may fall asleep. Stay away from inebriated or boisterous passengers, remain on the lower deck on a double-decker bus.
By Train
Catching the last train? No worries, there will be many people doing the same and it will be “safety in numbers”. Favour a carriage with many women.
By Taxi
Usually safe, but keep your wits about to dodge any potential abuse or scam. Uber (or similar) may be the safest option.
MESSAGE
your parents or flatmates to let them know you are on your way, you can use some apps to do so. Later, let your friends know you are home safe!
JUST SAY “NO”
Learn to refuse drinks, drugs, kisses or cuddling in a dark corner. If your heart is not in it, stay away and do not give in to peer pressure.
BELONGINGS
Don’t leave them laying around while clubbing, and if it is valuable, keep it on you, or put it in the cloakroom. Fun anecdote, I once lost a unique jacket in a club and a week later, caught up with a girl wearing it in the Ladies of the same venue! After confronting her, I got my precious item back!
DRINK SAFELY!
If someone offers you a drink, be sure to see it being prepared at the bar, do not accept it out of nowhere.
Keep your drink with you at all time, or in your sight. Someone could steal it or worse, spike it! From hallucinogenic drug to GHB, “the rape drug”, it is easy to miss someone dropping something into your glass, so don’t risk it. Sad fact: such deeds may come from people belonging to your circles.
WORST CASE SCENARIO
DO YOU KNOW KUNG FU?
Never mind, a knee in the groin will do the trick. Joke aside, self defense and martial arts can really come in handy so check out your local BJJ, Krav Maga or Thai boxing classes.
WALKING HOME
(alone or as a pair)
While sexual attacks may be your biggest fear, you are realistically more likely to have your handbag rather than your body, targeted by a stranger.
Carrying an umbrella is known to deter most muggers, and my personal favourite, “Silly walking”. As a night owl for decades, I always felt confident that appearing demented would probably deter anyone from wanting to approach me.
A small pocket knife or an improvised weapon, such as a key, sharp keyring or your mobile ready to call emergency, can work well. Although not legal everywhere, a pepper spray is efficient, or a high-pitched emitting device able to pierce the eardrum of an attacker if triggered in their ear.
We hope these tips keep you safe, and make your experience of a night on the town more pleasant. Remember that drinking sensibly, using common sense and keeping your loved ones aware of your whereabouts are all essential, but ultimately, your instinct is always your best ally. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
