Get involvedThe Butterfly ProjectStaying Safe When Out and About

Saying Safe When Out & About

Women shouldn’t have to manage their own safety, however, this is where the burden lies. Women are risk assessing every aspect of their life, from how they move through public spaces to how they exist in relationships.

71% of women of all ages in the UK have experienced some sort of sexual harassment in a public space. This number rises to 86% amount young women aged 18-24.

Always consider this quick safety check before heading out:

  • Is your phone charged?
  • Have you got a secure route planned?
  • Does someone know your plans, route or planned arrival time?

Below, we have included steps to take to increase safety and support that’s available to you.

If you need support, we're here to listen and help
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If you are in immediate danger call 999, or in a non-emergency call 101.

You deserve to feel safe.

Whether you’re walking home from a night out or day plans, getting in a taxi, visiting a pub, restaurant or hotel, going for a walk, going to work or simply living your life – you deserve to feel safe at all times.

We have shared a few ways to increase your safety when out and about.

Plan ahead and share your plans
  • Let someone know where you’re going, a route and when you expect to arrive or return home
  • Plan your route in advance, especially when travelling at night
  • Stick to well-lit, busy areas and main roads
  • Keep your phone charged and within easy reach
Stay alert
  • Minimise the use of headphones when travelling alone to be able to hear what’s happening around you
  • Stay aware of who is aware of you and what is going on in your surroundings
  • Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong leave the area
Personal safety tips
  • Walk confidentially and purposefully
  • Avoid isolated shortcuts, especially in the dark
  • Move towards busy places (shop, cafes and venues) if needed
  • Consider carrying a personal alarm
  • Create a safe word with someone you trust
Getting home safely
  • Use licensed taxis or trusted apps
  • Sit near others or the driver on public transport
  • Share your journey or location with someone you trust
  • Call a support line, such as Strut Safe, to have company on your walk home
Learn more about Strut Safe

Local safety and support that’s available to you:

Ashford WalkSafe App

  • Find safety, well-lit routes across Ashford
  • Check areas before you travel
  • Real time journey sharing
  • Report places that feel unsafe to you
  • Instant SOS alerts
Learn more about Ashford WalkSafe App

Ask for Angela

  • A discreet way to ask for help in participating venues (bars, pubs and clubs)
  • If you feel unsafe, go to the bar and ask for ‘Angela‘
  • Staff will understand and help you leave safely or call for assistance
Learn more about Ask for Angela

Strut Safe

  • A UK-wide phone line offering a those walking home alone a friendly-voice to keep you company and help you feel safe until you are through the door
  • Call 0333 335 0026 (free for most)
  • Thursday – Sunday between 19:00 – 3:00
Learn more about Strut Safe

Stalking and Your Rights (UK)

Stalking is repeated and unwanted behaviour that makes you feel scared or uncomfortable. This includes:

  • Following or watching you
  • Repeated messages, phone calls or contact
  • Monitoring your movements or online activity

If you’re experiencing stalking you can apply for legal protection. The Police can apply for a Stalking Protection Order (SPO) to offer you protection, with it being a criminal offence if they break the order. A Stalking Protection Order can:

  • Stop someone from contacting you
  • Ban someone from going places that you visit frequently
  • Restrict their online activity
  • Require someone to attend support programmes

Stalking is a serious crime. If you believe you are being stalked it is always recommended that you report it early, you don’t have to wait for things to escalate before you make that initial report. Stalking is a tactic of a domestic abuse perpetrator, both with current and ex-partners, and there is specialist support available to you.

Help & advice

Visit our One Stop Shops

If you’d like to access free, confidential and immediate support from a wide-range of professionals all under one roof, you can attend our One Stop Shop drop-in centres in Canterbury, Ashford and Folkestone & Hythe.

You can receive free advice, information and support around your experiences in a welcoming, safe and confidential space.

You don’t need an appointment to attend One Stop Shop.

Learn more about our One Stop Shops

Services for your recovery

Services for adults

Services for children & young people

Other useful contacts

Help & advice