What to do first
If you feel unsafe, trust your instincts and move away from the situation if you can. Get to a public place, a shop, a neighbour’s house, or anywhere with other people nearby.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 straight away. If you cannot speak, you can use the emergency “silent solution” and press 55 when prompted.
Get help from someone you trust
Tell a friend, family member, neighbour, or colleague what is happening. Ask them to stay with you, call you, or help you get home safely.
If you are at work, university, or in another organised setting, speak to a manager, tutor, security staff, or a safeguarding lead. They may be able to help you leave safely or arrange support.
If you are outside or travelling
Go somewhere busy and well lit, such as a shop, café, station, or reception desk. If possible, avoid walking alone and keep your phone charged.
If you are using transport, get off at the next safe stop and ask staff for help. In a taxi or private hire vehicle, note the registration number and consider sharing your location with someone you trust.
If the danger is online or by phone
Do not respond to threatening messages. Save screenshots, note usernames, dates, and times, and block the person if it is safe to do so.
Report abuse on the platform where it happened, and contact the police if there are threats, stalking, blackmail, or sexual images being shared without permission. If you are worried about your safety, change passwords and review your privacy settings.
Support services in the UK
If you need urgent police help, call 999. For non-emergency police matters, use 101.
If you are struggling emotionally after feeling unsafe, you can contact Samaritans on 116 123 for free, day or night. If your safety concerns relate to domestic abuse, charities such as Refuge can offer confidential advice and support.
Make a plan for next time
Keep important numbers saved in your phone and written down somewhere accessible. Share your live location with someone you trust when travelling, if that feels appropriate.
Think about safe places you can go, how you would leave quickly, and who you would contact first. Having a simple plan can make it easier to act fast if you feel unsafe again.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you feel in immediate danger in the UK, call 999 right away and ask for police, ambulance, or fire services as needed. If you cannot speak, stay on the line and use the silent solution if prompted. Move to a safer place if you can do so without increasing risk.
You should call 999 if you think there is immediate danger to you or someone else, if a crime is happening now, or if urgent help is needed. If the situation is not immediate but you still feel unsafe, contact local support services or the police non-emergency line 101.
If you cannot speak, call 999 and follow the silent call procedure. You may be asked to press 55 if available, or use the automated prompts. If possible, text a trusted person to call emergency services for you.
If you think you are being followed, go to the nearest busy public place, shop, station, or staffed venue and ask for help. Call 999 if you believe you are in immediate danger. Avoid going home if that would reveal your location.
If you are in immediate danger at home, call 999 and try to lock yourself in a room with an exit if possible. Keep your phone with you and avoid confronting the person. If you can leave safely, go to a neighbour, shop, or public place and call emergency services.
Drive to a public, well-lit place such as a petrol station, police station, or busy shop if it is safe to do so. Call 999 and explain your location and the risk. If you are being followed, do not drive home if that would put you at greater risk.
If a child or young person feels unsafe, they should call 999 in an emergency or tell a trusted adult immediately. Schools, youth workers, and family members can help contact police or safeguarding services. If there is a risk of harm, emergency services should be called without delay.
If domestic abuse is happening now or you fear immediate harm, call 999. If it is safe, contact a domestic abuse helpline, local refuge, or a trusted friend for a plan to leave safely. Keep important documents, medication, and emergency contacts accessible if possible.
If stalking is ongoing and you feel in immediate danger, call 999. Record dates, times, messages, sightings, and evidence if it is safe to do so. Avoid meeting the person alone and consider informing the police and a support service.
If you feel unsafe on a bus, train, or tube, move near staff or other passengers and alert the operator if possible. Use the emergency help points or call 999 if there is immediate danger. Get off at a staffed stop or station if you can do so safely.
If online threats are linked to a real-world risk, save evidence, change passwords, review privacy settings, and tell someone you trust. If there is immediate danger, call 999. You can also report harassment or threats to the platform and the police.
Yes. If you feel unsafe but there is no immediate danger, you can contact police on 101 in the UK. You can also speak to local safeguarding, housing, domestic abuse, or victim support services for advice and safety planning.
If you feel unsafe in a hotel or temporary accommodation, contact reception or security immediately if that is safe. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. Ask staff to help you move to a safer room or location and keep your door locked.
Save emergency numbers in your phone, identify safe places nearby, and share your location with someone you trust. Keep money, keys, medication, and ID accessible. Plan a phrase you can use to signal to others that you need help quickly.
If you have been assaulted, go to a safe place and call 999 if you need immediate help. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even for injuries that seem minor. Try to preserve evidence by avoiding washing clothes or bathing before you can get advice, if feasible.
If you might harm yourself or feel unable to stay safe, call 999 in an immediate crisis or go to the nearest emergency department. Tell someone you trust right away and do not stay alone if possible. You can also contact urgent mental health crisis support in your area.
Call 999 and ask for police if you need protection from a threat, ambulance if someone is injured or medically unwell, and fire if there is danger from fire, smoke, or gas. If you are unsure, explain the situation and the operator will direct you to the right service.
Move to the nearest place with reception if it is safe, such as a road, building, or higher ground, and call 999. If you cannot make a call, try to alert another person nearby, use a roadside emergency point if available, or go to the nearest staffed location for help.
Family or friends can help by taking the situation seriously, helping the person contact 999 or 101, and staying with them if it is safe. They can also help document events, arrange transport to a safe place, and support contact with specialist services.
After the immediate danger has passed, seek support from police, medical professionals, victim services, domestic abuse services, or mental health support depending on the situation. Keep a record of what happened, follow any safety advice given, and update trusted people about your location and plan.
Useful Links
This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice.
Always seek guidance from qualified professionals.
If you have any medical concerns or need urgent help, contact a healthcare professional or emergency services immediately.
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