10 Essential Safety Precautions for Women

Night-time can be both exhilarating and intimidating. Whether you're coming home from work, going out with friends, or simply running errands late at night, staying aware of your safety is crucial. With darkness falling earlier in the evenings and many urban spaces feeling empty at night, it's important to take proactive steps to protect yourself. Here are ten essential safety tips every woman should keep in mind when navigating the world at night:

It's easy to get caught up in your phone or music, especially when you're walking alone at night. However, being distracted can make you more vulnerable. Keep your focus on your surroundings—if you’re on your phone, keep one earbud out and stay aware of any approaching individuals or vehicles.

Before heading out, familiarize yourself with your route. Avoid poorly lit streets or areas that are isolated. Stick to well-travelled routes with streetlights and visibility, and try to avoid shortcuts that might lead through alleys or parks.

Consider carrying a rape alarm or personal safety alarm, which can be easily activated in emergencies. These alarms emit a loud, attention-grabbing sound designed to alert people nearby and deter potential threats. Many organizations, like AGAINST ALL ODDS (Wales), offer these alarms FREE OF CHARGE to help women feel safer in vulnerable situations.

Share your plans with a friend or family member before heading out, especially if you're going to be alone or walking at night. This gives someone a sense of where you are, and they can check in on you if necessary.

Always carry a charged phone with you. In case of an emergency, you’ll need it to contact authorities, friends, or family. Store emergency numbers in your contacts for quick access.

Walk as though you know exactly where you're going, even if you don't. Keep your head up, make brief eye contact with others around you, and avoid looking lost. Predators often target individuals who seem vulnerable or unsure of their surroundings.

If you encounter someone who makes you uncomfortable or seems to be following you, avoid confrontation. Keep walking, change direction if needed, or enter a public space like a café or store. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, don’t hesitate to act.

If you're taking a bus or train late at night, try to choose well-lit, populated areas to wait for your ride. Avoid sitting next to someone who makes you feel uncomfortable, and keep your phone in hand, ready to alert authorities if needed.

Carry only what you need and keep your bag close to your body. Avoid carrying too many valuables or flashing expensive items like jewelry or electronics. Cross-body bags are ideal as they provide an added layer of security and are harder for someone to snatch.

At the end of the day, your intuition is your best tool for staying safe. If something feels wrong, don’t ignore it. Remove yourself from the situation as quickly and safely as possible.

Rape alarms are simple yet effective tools for self-defense. When activated, they emit a loud noise that can draw attention to you in case of danger. These alarms are small, portable, and easy to use, making them ideal for women who are out late at night. Many organizations, including AGAINST ALL ODDS (Wales), offer these alarms FREE OF CHARGE to ensure women feel safer when out and about. Having an alarm on hand can be the difference between evading a dangerous situation and being left vulnerable.