DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

We acknowledge that domestic violence can occur in any relationship and Bedfordshire Police have domestic violence units throughout the force area. They are staffed by specially trained officers who can tell you what help is available and will support you in your decisions. They also have specialist leaflets, which go into much further detail.
Remember, in an emergency (for example, there is an immediate threat to life or property), call 999.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

If you are sexually assaulted, you should consider reporting it to the police who will ensure that you are given help with care and sensitivity.
Specially trained officers will explain the process and can offer support and advice throughout.

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Walk in the centre of the pavement and avoid short cuts through dimly lit or deserted areas.

It is wiser to walk facing the oncoming traffic where you can be seen and avoid the surprise of a vehicle approaching from behind. It's also very difficult for motorists to pester you if they drive alongside, as they would have to do so in reverse or else drive into oncoming traffic.
Victims attacked or robbed while walking often say that their assailant came from nowhere. It is more likely that the victim was not paying attention to their surroundings and remaining alert to danger signs.
Try to cover up jewellery - wearing a lot of jewellery when you go out may make you a target. If you have to carry money, carry only what you need. Keep cheque and credit cards separate from chequebooks and don't write down PIN numbers. Do not leave bags unattended. Keep purses and wallets in an inside pocket.

Be Brave

If you do suspect that you are being followed, cross the street, several times if necessary. If you still think you are being followed, walk to the busiest place you can find or knock on somebody's door. If you are confident enough, consider turning and facing the suspect and shouting in your most authoritative voice "Are you following me?"

Public Transport

Always wait for a bus or train in a well-lit place, near other people if possible. Have your pass, ticket or the correct change in your hand so that your purse or wallet is out of sight. If you can, on buses or trains always try to sit near the driver.

Carry sufficient money in case you get stranded and need to take another bus, train or taxi.

If you feel threatened try to get away from the situation by moving seats or getting off at the next stop. If the danger worsens, make as much noise as possible to attract the driver's attention or sound the emergency alarm.

Nearly all train stations have an emergency telephone on the platform, which are monitored by CCTV.

Taxis

If you have to telephone for a taxi, always try to use a firm you know. Don't get into a private hire car unless you've booked it first. Only hackney carriages, such as black cabs, are licensed and insured to carry passengers who have flagged them down.

Book a private hire cab by phone, ask for the drivers name and the make and colour of the car. When the cab arrives ask for the driver's name and company as well as the name of the passenger they have been dispatched to collect. Don't volunteer the information first. Always sit in the back, preferably behind the driver.

Drivng Alone

• Always make sure your car is fit for the journey. Plan your journey, especially if it's to somewhere unfamiliar, you don't want to be forced into a situation where you have to ask strangers for directions.
• Tell someone what time you expect to arrive at your destination and make contact calls to keep them updated if you're delayed.
  
• Get into the habit of checking your spare tyre to make sure it's not flat and your fuel level to ensure you have sufficient to complete your journey.

Breakdown

• Perhaps the biggest worry for people travelling alone is what to do if the car breaks down. Be prepared. If you regularly drive your car alone you should seriously consider joining a breakdown recovery service.
  
• A useful ploy to adopt, on roads other than motorways, is to await assistance in the passenger seat. This will give the impression that someone else, "the driver", may be nearby.

Survival Bag

Keep a holdall, out of sight, in the boot of your car for long and/or unfamiliar journeys. Keep inside it the sort of things you hope you'll never need. The smaller items can be kept in the glove box where they are closer to hand.

"Survival" items will include:

• A torch and spare batteries
  
• A fuel can with fuel
  
• Jump leads
  
• A personal attack alarm
  
• A charger for your mobile phone, change or a phonecard for use at a public phone
  
• Pen and paper
  
• A "Help Call The Police" fluorescent sign (available from car spares stores)
  
• The vehicle handbook - this contains a troubleshooting guide as well as vehicle diagrams
  
• It is also useful to have with you a copy of the Highway Code which contains practical advice on what to do if you breakdown, especially on the motorway.

Motorway

• Motorways are very safe areas in relation to violent attacks. There are telephones every mile and many areas are covered by CCTV.
  
• In an emergency park on the hard shoulder, put on the hazard lights and get out by the passenger door.
  
• Tell the operator if you are alone, they may be able to monitor you via a camera. Leave the passenger door unlocked and stand on the bank or verge away from the carriageway but in view of your car. If you are approached or threatened get into the car and lock the passenger door.

In Traffic

• A recent trend in inner city areas is for thieves to open the passenger door of your car while you are stuck in traffic and steal something, such as a handbag. Use your common sense, don't leave items on show. In slow moving traffic it may be expedient to lock all doors, including the boot.
  
• In heavy traffic conditions tempers often get frayed and this is where "road rage" will often rear its head. None of us likes to be criticised about the manner of our driving nor do we approve of the driver who cuts in and out of lanes to make a few yards extra progress at the risk of other road users. Avoid drawing yourself into conflict, by such actions as leaning on the horn or making gestures. Apart from being very undignified it can put you at risk of assault. Remember the audible warning system on your vehicle can be used to make other road users aware of your presence but should not be used to chastise other drivers, no matter how bad you feel their driving is!

Being Followed?

• If you suspect you are being followed (negotiating a roundabout twice or a similar ruse will confirm this) do not be tempted to go faster to outrun your pursuer. Keep driving keeping to well-populated main routes.
  
• As soon as the situation allows, drive into a busy area where you can contact the police - a petrol station forecourt is ideal. If you do not want to get out of the car sound the horn to attract attention.
  

Phone Home

Have you ever been stuck, needing to ring home but haven't got any money? The BT "Phone Home" charge card is a wallet sized card which allows you to make calls from all public and private phones charging the call to your home phone bill. The card is pre-programmed with just one number, usually your home number, so that you can call them whenever you're out. As this is the only number it will allow you to call it is not attractive to thieves and there is no risk of you running up a bill to Australia.

Self Defence

It is always sensible to think about what you would do if you were physically attacked. Are you capable of fighting back or would you co-operate to avoid any further harm? Even if you are physically capable of inflicting harm in self-defence, it can be extremely disturbing to know that you've caused an injury to another human being.
Attacks and rapes by an unknown assailant are still very rare. Although it is impossible to comment on every possible situation, it will probably be better if you try to diffuse the situation instead of meeting violence with violence.
Only you can decide whether to fight back or 'play dead', and much will depend on the circumstances in which you find yourself. What's best for one person in a given situation will be different for another or for that person in different circumstances.
If someone is trying to snatch your bag, be prepared to let it go as you may get hurt trying to hold on to it. Try to get a description of the attacker and tell the police immediately.

Shout!!

If you find yourself face to face with potential attacker, let them know what they are up against. Shout and scream as loud as you can. This is worth doing even if there is no one obvious around as you are likely to unnerve your assailant and frighten them off.

Alarms

If you think that you may not have the confidence to shout or scream in this type of situation, then consider buying a personal attack alarm. Different types are available, from aerosol sirens that can fit into a pocket to the battery type which will clip to a belt or can be carried in a handbag and are often versatile enough to be used around the home and garden to protect property. Smaller battery operated alarms are available which can be attached to a key ring.
The important point to stress is to take the opportunity to escape while your attacker is nursing injuries or startled by an alarm.

Weapons

As you probably know, you are not allowed to carry a personal armoury of knives, knuckle-dusters or other weapons to defend yourself.

However, a person being attacked has every right to defend themselves with reasonable force and with any means at their disposal. That includes keys, rings and hairsprays.
Having your car or house keys ready in your hand not only stops you being vulnerable while searching in a handbag or pocket, but could even be used to stop an attacker.

Self Defence and the Law

The most important point to remember in the use of self-defence is whether what you do is reasonable in the circumstances.
Under the Criminal law Act 1967 you may use reasonable force, depending on the circumstances, to prevent crime or arrest an offender.

If you are attacked you may defend yourself, but you may only do what is reasonably necessary. You are entitled to defend your family, your boss or your employee, or a stranger and his or her property.
However, where a person is merely trespassing, without using force, he or she must be asked to leave before force is used, and no more force than is necessary may be used.

• This document has more information on using reasonable force - (343kb, Adobe Acrobat format)
  

In the case of self-defence you should be able to show that you did not 'court' a fight and that you were prepared to withdraw from the situation.

If You're Attacked

In summary: only fight if you really have to - someone's bound to get hurt and it could possibly be you; try not to panic, just think clearly about how to react; make as much noise as possible and yell for help at the top of your voice.
You are allowed to use reasonable force to defend yourself - but don't be a hero. It's better just to have something taken than to be beaten up as well.

Be Wise, Be Confident

Recent studies considered the sort of person who becomes a victim of sexual assault or robbery. The offenders questioned did not choose people who had projected an air of self-confidence and walked with purpose. They picked, instead, on people who appeared timid, shy and vulnerable: in other words, an easy target.
Remain aware of your surroundings - it's very difficult to stay 'in touch' if, for example, you're listening to a personal stereo.
Always letting someone know where you are, especially if your plans change isn't just for children. Adults should do it too - even professionals such as police officers and members of the armed forces keep someone informed. It takes just one quick call.
Always trust your instincts. If you have a 'funny feeling' about someone or something, don't ignore it - act on it!
Remember alcohol and drugs dull your reflexes - no matter how little you've had.

• Look confident. Robbers and bullies tend to choose victims who look like an easy target. It's a fine line, though - don't look as if you're looking for a fight.
• Avoid danger spots like quiet or badly lit alleyways, subways or deserted car parks. Walk down the middle of the pavement if the street is deserted.
• Don't flaunt your wealth! Designer labels may look good, but are very attractive to a robber. Cover jewellery and hide your wallet or purse.
• If you do have to pass danger spots, think about what you'd do if you felt threatened - the best bet is to get to a public place like a garage or shop.
• Whenever possible, walk with a friend or stay near a group of people.
• Avoid passing stationary cars with their engines running and people sitting in them.
• Try to keep both hands free and don't walk with your hands in your pockets.Avoid carrying bags in your hands - use a rucksack or bum-bag.