Living safely
Part of RNIB’s Confident living series
Contents
Five top tips
Introduction
Prevention and avoidance
Safe at home
Out and about
What now?
After an incident
Further information
We value your feedback
About the Confident Living series
RNIB acknowledges the assistance of Ann Elledge of Suzy
Lamplugh Trust, for her help and support with the development of
this information.
Suzy Lamplugh Trust have kindly allowed their “Living safely”
publication to be used as the basis for this booklet.
Five top tips
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2.
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5.
Always plan ahead. Know where you are going and how you
will get there, and think about what you will do if part of your
journey goes wrong.
Ask your local police to carry out a free home safety check.
Carry the phone number of a taxi or minicab firm you have
used before.
Never carry your door keys with something with your address
on.
Remain as confident, purposeful and alert as you can.
Introduction
Whether you are learning to live with losing your sight, or you have
always had a sight problem, you may worry that you are an easier
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target for theft of personal property, anti-social behaviour or
physical or verbal attack. In fact incidents of violence and
aggression are very rare, but the fear of them can stop people
doing the things they want.
This guide suggests practical things you can do to help you feel
and stay safe whether out and about or in the home. It is based on
advice about personal safety from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which
has been adapted in consultation with blind and partially sighted
people. Suzy Lamplugh Trust is the leading charity on personal
safety in the UK.
Everyone’s situation is different. You are the best person to decide
what will work in your life and create your own personal safety
plan.
By putting these ideas into practice, you can greatly improve your
personal safety, giving you the confidence to live life to the full
without fear.
Prevention and avoidance
Anyone can reduce the chance of becoming a victim of aggression
and violent behaviour, by planning ahead and knowing how to
avoid potentially dangerous situations.
We all have choices, in what we do and in how we react to
situations. Thinking through the options open to us and making
choices to reduce risk can have a big impact on our personal
safety.
The earlier we make safe choices and think about potential risks,
the more likely we are to avoid them.
This section suggests how you can prevent and avoid aggression
and violence developing.
You are the best person to decide what will work for you and what
is practical. Think through what you already do to keep yourself
safe and the “what ifs” (possible risks). Use this knowledge to help
you take responsibility for your personal safety.
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PLAN for your personal safety
PLAN is a common sense approach to staying safe – it stands for:
 Prepare
 Look confident
 Act to avoid risk
 Never assume
Prepare
Before you set off, take a few moments to think about what you are
doing, where you are going and whether there are any potential
risks you can take action to avoid.
Let someone know where you are going and when you will be
back. This could make all the difference if help is needed.
Look confident
Look purposeful, be alert, hold your head up and avoid listening to
music or texting or talking on the phone while walking so that you
remain aware of your surroundings.
Even if things aren’t going to plan, for example, if you have taken a
wrong turning, try not to let it show. Take a few moments to think
before you set off again.
Act to avoid risk
If you are arranging to meet someone, choose a place you feel
comfortable meeting, for example somewhere you already know or
where there are other people. Keep assessing situations to help
you become aware of any risks as early as possible.
Never assume
 that your fears are unfounded. Trust your instincts – they are
there to warn you of possible danger
 that it will not happen to you. Do not become complacent
 that people are what they seem.
We are safer when we consider the possibilities rather than
assume.
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Safe at home
There are a lot of things you can do to feel safer in your own
home.
 Make sure your doors and windows are fitted with good quality
locks.
 Always check who is at the door before you answer and use a
safety chain if you have one.
 Leave lights on when you go out or on a timer if you are on
holiday.
Your local police can carry out a free home safety check for you
and advise how to make your home more secure.
Bogus callers
Most people who call at your home are genuine, but a minority
may be bogus callers. There are things you can do to avoid letting
bogus callers in.
Ask people who they are before you let them in. If you have a
security device such as a chain fitted to your front door, make sure
this is on all the time.
Major companies such as gas and electric companies operate a
password system where the caller has to tell you the password so
that you know they are genuine. Contact your utility company to
set this up.
If you have an intercom system remember to ask who the caller is
and who they want to see. Avoid letting someone in if you do not
know who they are.
Are they who they say they are? If they are representing a
company or an organisation, ask for their ID. Some police forces,
for example, carry braille ID. If you are unsure about it or they are
not carrying any ID, check by calling their organisation using the
phone number provided by Directory Enquiries.
Intruders
Ask your local police for advice on keeping your home secure.
Even if you do not have enough sight to benefit from a light,
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leaving a light on in your home may give the impression that there
is someone at home and deter intruders.
If you come home and suspect an intruder is or has been inside,
do not go in. Call the police.
You might find it beneficial, if you are going to be away from home
for long periods, to leave on a light and/or a radio on a timer.
Consider installing an intruder or emergency call alarm.
Emergencies
In an emergency, call 999.
Nuisance or malicious phone calls
When you answer the phone, answer the call with a simple “Hello”
and wait for the caller to say who they are. Avoid answering the
phone with your name and number.
If you are unsure of any caller you may wish to verify who they are.
Ask for their number and offer to call them back.
If you receive a malicious or nuisance telephone call:
 Avoid telling the caller you are alone or giving personal details.
 Try to keep calm and avoid reacting emotionally.
 Quietly hang up without responding.
 Make a note of the time and nature of the call.
If the problem persists or you are worried, make a note of the time
and nature of the call and inform the police and your telephone
provider. Your telephone provider may be able to block calls from
a particular number.
Out and about
Whether you are travelling, out walking or just meeting up with
friends, here are some things to keep in mind.
Awareness
Get to know the area where you live and areas you visit frequently
such as for work. Check out locations where there are usually
people, such as police and fire stations, hospitals, restaurants or
shops that are open. This will help you know where to go in an
emergency.
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If you use a long cane, dog or other mobility aid try to keep it by
your side whenever you are seated.
Personal possessions
Keep some money or your travel card separate from your wallet or
purse so that you can get home if it is lost or stolen.
When sitting down, loop the strap of your bag around your foot or
underneath the chair leg. Some pubs and cafes have loops or clips
under their tables and chairs that you can use.
Try not to draw attention to any valuables you are carrying.
If you use a wheelchair, try to keep valuables beside you, rather
than at the rear of your chair.
Try to avoid carrying your door keys in the same bag as anything
with your address on, such as letters, bills and bank statements.
If you have to leave articles unattended, check to see if there is a
secure storage facility that you can use.
Having your possessions stolen or losing them can be frustrating
and even frightening. If someone did try to take your possessions,
would you give them up without a fight? You are more valuable
than your possessions!
Protecting your cash
When using a cash dispenser:
 use a machine inside a bank or building society where possible
 protect your PIN by standing close and shielding the key pad
with your other hand
 be cautious if strangers offer to help – even if your card is stuck
or you’re having difficulties. Do not allow anyone to distract you
 find out if there are any talking ATMs in the area.
You may prefer to draw out cash at the counter or getting
cashback at a supermarket checkout.
Avoid opening your purse, bag or wallet when you are in the
queue. Put your money away before you leave the checkout or
bank.
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Keeping different bank notes in separate sections of your purse or
wallet helps you find the right money quickly when you are out.
You can buy electronic note detectors and note checkers that help
you identify banknotes from RNIB.
Mobile phones
If you talk on your mobile while out and about, avoid giving too
many personal details.
A mobile phone can be a great personal safety aid but can also
make you more of a target: use it when you need to but be
discreet.
If your mobile is stolen, do you have some phone numbers on you
or memorised in case you need help? Someone nearby might let
you use their phone; a passer-by or a local shop or there may be a
public phone box nearby.
Your hearing can give you important signals about what is going
on around you. Talking on your mobile phone or listening to music
may make you less aware.
Out walking
It can be difficult to feel confident walking, especially if you have
quite recent sight loss. However, many blind and partially sighted
people have learnt mobility skills which can help you become a
more confident traveller, more able to find your way, avoid
pavement hazards, cross roads safely and use tactile and sound
cues to keep track of your route. Your local Social Services should
provide you with a mobility assessment and training from a
specialist mobility skills trainer to help you feel more confident.
To help you feel safe try to keep to well-lit or busy streets, and
avoid short cuts such as unlit alleyways and quiet streets.
If you become aware of a group of people who seem aggressive or
threatening, move away to avoid the situation. If you are
concerned for someone else’s safety, call the police when you
reach a safe place. Do not try to intervene.
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If you think someone is following you, see if you able to cross the
road safely. If you cross the road more than once and sense that
someone is still behind and seems to be following you, make for
somewhere busy and where you could seek help if need be. Going
back to an empty home may not be the safest thing to do.
Going out
We all want to have a good time when going out during the day or
at night.
Although levels of fear often increase when it is dark, the risk is not
necessarily that much higher. Here are some things to keep in
mind to reduce fear and risk.
Travelling with friends when you are going out or going home is a
great way to keep yourself safe.
Keep in mind that alcohol and drugs reduce your inhibitions, speed
of response, awareness of the environment and the ability to make
safe decisions.
Public transport
Preparing by planning ahead which bus, train, tube or tram you
need to take and where you are going to get off is a great risk
avoidance strategy. Always have a back-up plan in case
something goes wrong.
Try to have your money or travel card ready so that you are not
fumbling around in your purse or your wallet in public.
For train journeys, the easiest thing to do is to buy your tickets and
reserve your seat over the phone or online. Have the tickets
posted to you so that you won’t need to worry on the day you
travel.
You can arrange, through the train operating company, for a
member of staff to meet you at your local station, assist you onto
the train and to be met at the other end. This reduces the risk of
you being on your own on the platform.
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Staying in well-lit areas and near other people can be reassuring
and safer. For example, if using the tube or train, wait in an area of
the platform that is well lit and by an entrance or exit.
Ask where emergency alarms and call points are on stations and
trains that you use regularly if you are unable to locate them
yourself.
On buses sitting close to the driver may help. There are priority
seats for disabled and older passengers near the front of the bus.
If you feel at risk or you sense that the train carriage is emptying,
move to a seat near other people if possible.
If you feel threatened or there is an incident, alert the driver or pull
the emergency alarm. If you cannot do this, ask a fellow passenger
for assistance.
Taxis and minicabs
Licensed taxis are the only cabs that are legally allowed to ply for
hire or be flagged down in the street. You can also book by phone,
online or pick one up from a taxi stand.
Licensed minicabs (or vehicles for private hire) can only be hired
by phone or from a registered office.
A licensed driver and firm are put through a security check as a
safety precaution to passengers. An unlicensed minicab driver or
firm has not gone through this check.
If you get into an unlicensed minicab you will be putting yourself at
risk. An unlicensed minicab is really just a stranger with a car. In
addition, if an unlicensed minicab driver picks up passengers and
has an accident there will be no insurance to support passengers.
Here are some personal safety tips for travelling in a taxi or
licensed minicab:
 Carry the phone number of a local reputable firm. Sharing a taxi
with a friend is always a good idea. If you are alone, sit in the
back.
 When booking a taxi or licensed minicab either ask for the
name of the driver or use a password system.
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 If you are booking a taxi or licensed minicab from a public
place, try not to let anyone overhear you give your personal
details.
 Check the name of the driver and firm or password before you
get in – is it the cab you booked?
What now?
So far this booklet has focused on prevention and avoidance. But
what if you have tried to prevent something from happening or
avoid a situation and you still find yourself in trouble? There are
still things you can do to minimise your risk.
Communication
Effective communication is one of the most successful ways to
prevent aggressive situations developing. People send us
messages through their tone of voice, their words and their body
language.
Some examples of behaviour that warn us of potentially
aggressive situations are:
 any sudden change in behaviour
 tapping of fingers
 pacing
 crossed arms
 raised voice
 how close the other person is standing to you.
In communication, body language is much more important than the
actual words used, or the tone of voice.
If two people send out angry messages, whether verbal or nonverbal, a confrontation can easily escalate so that conflict occurs.
Confrontations can often be prevented from turning into aggressive
situations by being aware of your own body language and how it
might affect others and by communicating calmly.
Think about how you react when you get angry and learn to
recognise these signs in yourself and others. If you feel yourself
becoming angry with someone, or they are getting angry with you,
try to think of ways to calm the situation such as backing down,
talking your way out or moving away.
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Some ways of calming a situation include:
 speak gently, slowly and clearly
 talk yourself out of the problem, placate rather than provoke
 think about non-verbal communication – are you sending the
messages you want to?
 be aware of personal space – everyone is different avoid
touching someone who is angry
 if there has been a misunderstanding because of your sight
loss, you may wish to explain this
 try to avoid being judgemental or making assumptions about
people – lots of things influence how people react to situations,
such as stress, culture, expectations and environment.
Tension control
An aggressive or violent situation can develop even when we have
put the earlier tips into practice. Sometimes even effective
communication cannot defuse aggression; sometimes there is no
opportunity for communication at all. At this stage we not only have
fewer choices but our ability to make safe choices may have also
decreased because of the tension we feel. However, there are
some things we can do to help with an incident.
The ability to relax under stress is a useful part of personal safety.
Stressful or scary situations create a surge of adrenaline which
triggers a series of changes in the body. Reactions can include
heart palpitations, inability to think clearly, muscle tension,
headaches, sweating and nausea. This is your body’s way of
telling you that something is wrong; it is also preparing you for
action and survival.
Relaxation and tension control are valuable skills which can
reduce the adrenaline and help us to think more clearly in stressful
situations. You can find more information about these techniques
on the Suzy Lamplugh Trust website www.suzylamplugh.org.
Being able to use them at a moment’s notice requires practice.
If you have thoughts about the possible risks in advance, you are
more likely to remain calm and stay in control of the situation.
If you encounter a problem, try not to panic. Breathe out to release
tension then think about options.
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...if all else fails
If you experience any form of aggression or violence your aim is to
get away. If you are able to move away, do so. Be assertive but try
not to meet the aggression with aggression. This will only escalate
the situation.
If you are not able to get to a safe place, the following options may
help.
 Think about diversion techniques – doing something
unexpected can confuse the attacker and might give you the
opportunity to move away. Suggestions that have worked are:
pretending to vomit or calling out to an imaginary passer-by for
help. The most important thing to remember about a diversion
technique is that it needs to be practised and must be
something that you will feel comfortable doing so that it is
believable. What would you do?
 Use your voice. Make lots of noise – this may deter an
attacker. Shout a specific instruction like “Get away” or “Call the
police” – this will make clear to anyone in earshot that you are
in difficulty or need assistance and also help them to know what
to do. Remember to use the tension control ideas described
previously to ensure that you can use your voice in such a
situation.
 Carry a personal shriek alarm. The purpose of the alarm is to
shock and disorientate an attacker, so make sure your alarm is
very loud (over one hundred and thirty decibels). Carry it in your
hand when you feel at risk. If you have sufficient sight and are
able to, hold it close to the attacker’s ear. Move away if you can.
Meeting violence with violence limits your options and may commit
you to a fight you could lose. Physical self-defence should be a
last resort.
If you witness a violent or aggressive incident, think before you act.
Calling the police or getting help may be of greater help than
rushing in yourself.
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Thinking about your personal safety in detail may seem daunting
at first, but in time it will become second nature to PLAN (prepare,
look confident, act to avoid risk, never assume).
After an incident
If either you or someone you care about is affected by aggression
or violence, report the incident to the police; they are there to help.
Specially trained police officers deal with all types of aggression
and violence. No matter how personal or trivial the incident feels to
you, the police want to know.
In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the service you need. Stay
on the line until you have given all the required information.
If you are no longer immediately at risk, call or go to your local
police station to report the incident.
If you are deafblind you can request a Deafblind Interpreter to
ensure you can describe the incident fully and get the information
you need.
If English is not your first language, you can request an interpreter.
Verbal abuse and physical attack can be extremely stressful and
may have long-term psychological effects.
Even if someone handles the situation calmly at the time, they may
experience a range of disturbing feelings afterwards, including:
 Guilt (What did I do to provoke them?)
 Fear (Are they still out to get me?)
 Anger (How dare they treat me like this!)
These feelings are normal. Many services are set up to help
people to deal with the effects of crime. If you would like support
then do not hesitate to use the support available.
Further information
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RNIB
For information for you and anyone you know with a sight problem,
contact our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 from Monday to Friday
8.45am– 5.30pm, email [email protected] or visit our website at
www.rnib.org.uk
Visit the “Home and leisure” webpage at
www.rnib.org.uk/information-everyday-living followed by the
“Safety at home” page for a more detailed online version of this
booklet including contact details for lots of useful organisations,
additional safety advice plus a list of recommended products, for
example reflective belts and arm bands.
Victim Support
Give free and confidential help to victims of crime, witnesses, their
family, friends and anyone else affected across England and
Wales. They can also provide information on local victim support
services across the UK.
www.vicitimsupport.org.uk
Support Line (UK wide) 0845 30 30 900
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
The Trust’s mission is to raise awareness of the importance of
personal safety and to provide solutions that effect change in order
to help people to avoid violence and aggression and live safer,
more confident lives.
For more information on the full range of their resources, training,
conferences and fundraising, please visit their website at
www.suzylamplugh.org
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
National Centre for Personal Safety
218 Strand London WC2R 1AT
Telephone 020 7091 0014
Some resources available from the Trust’s online shop:
 Personal shriek alarm – the perfect aid to your personal safety
when out and about.
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 Travelling safely in the UK and abroad – this illustrated booklet
is perfect for employees who regularly travel for work, or for a
family member going on their holidays.
We value your feedback
We would be interested to know where you received your copy of
this publication or if you found there was any information that was
missing, or if there is anything else you would like to tell us about
the publication. If you would like to give us feedback, please email
us at [email protected] or send your feedback to the
following address (there's no need to use a stamp): FREEPOST
RSCB-GJHJ-HLXG, RNIB Publishing, 105 Judd Street, London
WC1H 9NE.
About the Confident living series
The Confident living series is for people who are losing or have
recently lost their sight and are trying to build their confidence to
continue to lead full and independent lives. Titles in the series are:
 Leisure
 Managing your money
 Reading
 Shopping
 Technology
 Travel
All these leaflets are available in audio, print and braille formats.
To order please contact our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 (all calls
charged at local rate), email [email protected]
If you or someone you know is living with sight loss, we’re here to
help. Ask RNIB is the simple, easy to use way to find the answers
to your questions online – try it today at www.rnib.org.uk/ask
Copyright Suzy Lamplugh Trust 2004 Reg charity no. 802567. All
additional material © RNIB October 2014 Reg charity nos 226227
(England and Wales), SC039316 (Scotland) and 1109 (Isle of
Man)
ISBN 978-1-4445-0105-6
Publication code PR12348P
Review date October 2015
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