Stay Safe During the Party Season
Sexual Assault Advice and Support: How to avoid it whilst out partying and where to turn if something happens.
While we all want to have fun during the holiday season, with nights out and partying being a big part of that, it's crucial to take care of ourselves and be aware of the potential dangers. Christmas and New Year’s are times to be with loved ones, enjoy ourselves, and reflect on what truly matters in life. However, this season can also involve excessive drinking, long periods spent outside in the freezing cold, and sometimes unexpected encounters.
For many, the best way to celebrate Christmas and New Year is with lively parties. It’s common to be out and about with joy in our hearts, drinks in hand, and feet on the dancefloor. While everyone enjoys a good party, it’s essential to prioritise safety. When we are intoxicated or distracted by the festive spirit, we may not be as cautious as we should be, which can put us at risk in situations involving others.
To help keep our patients safe, we have compiled our top tips for staying safe whilst partying this festive season.
- Plan Your Journey & Travel Together: If possible, arrange for a ride with someone you trust. If that’s not an option, book licensed taxis or minicabs in advance and avoid using unlicensed cabs. If you need to use a rideshare service like Uber and cannot plan ahead, try to ensure that you are not traveling alone and that there are others sharing the ride with you.
- Nominate a designated driver: Consider asking someone to be the designated driver. This not only ensures you have a safe ride home but also provides peace of mind, knowing that someone is looking out for you and hasn’t been affected by alcohol. If possible, it's important to have at least one person who is alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Inform Others: Inform someone about your destination and the time you expect to return. If your plans take longer than anticipated, keep in touch and update them. It’s always a good idea to have a sober person outside of your group who is aware of where you are.
- Charge Your Phone: Ensure your phone is fully charged and bring a power bank if possible.
- Budget Wisely: Carry enough money for your journey home.
- Eat First: Have a meal before you go out to slow down the absorption of alcohol.
- Safety in numbers: It’s important to stay with a group of friends you trust whenever possible. By staying close to people you know well, you’ll reduce the risk of being targeted by individuals who may have bad intentions. If you need to separate for any reason, such as going to the bathroom or taking a break outside, make sure to stay near other people and inform your friends. Consider making an agreement with your friends before going out: if anyone goes missing for more than 15-30 minutes without any contact, the rest of the group will actively look for them.
- Watch Your Drinks: Always keep an eye on your drinks to prevent them from being spiked. If you suspect that your drink has been tampered with, seek immediate assistance from a trusted friend or a staff member at the venue. Additionally, be cautious of strangers offering you their vape; just like drinks, vapes can also be spiked.
- Be Mindful of Alcohol: Alcohol dulls your instincts and can lead you to make unsafe decisions. Pace yourself, drink water between alcoholic drinks, and know your limits to avoid becoming a target for criminals or sexual predators.
- Keep valuables hidden: Keep phones and wallets in zipped pockets or bags, not in back pockets. Thieves like to take advantage of easy targets.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or person feels unsafe, leave the area.
- Stay in well-lit areas: If you live nearby and are walking home after a night out, always stick to well-lit areas where there are plenty of people around. Avoid isolated shortcuts such as alleys or canals. Crime is less likely to happen in well-lit places with CCTV and others nearby who can see what's going on. Always plan your route home in advance, and make sure to stick to familiar locations.
- Consent: It is essential to understand that consent is crucial, and alcohol can significantly impair the ability to give or receive it. Don’t allow someone to pressure you into something you don’t genuinely want. It can be difficult to think clearly when you’ve been drinking, so take the time to consider whether what’s happening is truly what you want. Remember, even if you initially said yes, you have every right to change your mind. "No" means "NO," and others should respect that.
- Keep away from hostile situations: Stay safe on nights out. If a fight or argument breaks out, avoid getting involved and seek assistance from bouncers or the police.
- Check in with each other: After getting home, it’s wise to inform others in your group. This way, everyone can rest easily knowing everyone is safe.
- Get an App or speak to bar staff if uncomfortable: There are a variety of apps available to help keep you safe on a night out and Pubs and bars across the country operate the “Ask For Angela scheme”. This allows you to discreetly ask the bar staff for help if a person or situation is making you uncomfortable. You can find out more information about these HERE.
By following these essential safety tips, we aim to help you have an enjoyable experience while you’re out and about. Remember to stay alert, keep your belongings secure, and trust your instincts. We hope you have a great time whilst staying safe!
Recurring Sexual Assault and Abuse
Sexual assault and abuse can impact individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, or social circumstances. While this article mainly focuses on strategies for staying safe during holiday parties (a time often associated with increased social gatherings and potential risks) it’s crucial to understand that sexual assault may manifest as a single traumatic incident or as part of a troubling pattern of repeated abuse over time.
If you are experiencing long-term abuse, it is natural to feel confusion and uncertainty about where to seek help and support. The aftermath of such experiences can leave victims feeling isolated and unsure of the next steps to take.
When sexually assaulted, many people are unsure where to turn or who to contact for the necessary guidance and assistance. It is essential to recognise that resources, including hotlines, counselling services, and support groups, are available to help navigate these challenging circumstances and begin the healing process.
To find out more about services to keep you safe and to find a range of support and advice for those who have been a victim of sexual assault or domestic abuse, please visit the relevant area of our website below.
