Going Out and Having a Good Time while Remaining Safe

Whether you are going out to a café for a coffee, a nightclub, karaoke bar, or other public venues – if you follow a few basic personal safety strategies, going out can be enjoyable and safe.

Before you Go Out

• Decide what you will take out and leave the rest behind
• Only take the money you need and some identification and leave your other credit cards and wallet contents behind
• If your meeting friends later, tell them where you are going first and what time you will be meeting them
• Keep your belongings in a safe place, don’t carry your items loose like your mobile and wallet

Out and About

• Watch the number of drinks you have, remember alcohol and drugs can make you lose control 
• Never accept drinks from people you do not know or trust 
• Do not leave your drink unattended 
• Drink water when you are out, it's important to keep hydrated

Leaving to go Home

• Do not accept a lift from anybody you don’t know, or if you know they have been drinking
• Try not to walk home alone, catch a taxi – your safety comes first
• If you catch a taxi, they should be registered it will display their registration number on the inside and outside. Make a mental note or write down this number. 
• When you get home safely, send a text message or call one of your friends, to let them know you're safe.

Avoiding Danger

• People are always more confident in a group and after they have had a few drinks. This can sometimes lead to aggression or confrontation among people who are otherwise quiet or harmless
• If someone threatens you or you feel uncomfortable – it is better to move away than argue. Stay near friends or security staff or leave the venue altogether, not on your own. 
• If a friend looks like they may become involved in a fight or argument, try to talk your friend out of it. Do not get between the two parties – stand beside them or behind. 
• Don’t argue with security staff – they may ask you to leave when trouble starts. Remember the security staff person’s number and leave. Avoiding trouble and remaining safe is the most important thing you can do.