Having a plan in place can help you react quickly in an unsafe situation.
Creating a Personal Safety Plan:
- Identify trusted friends or family members you can call in an emergency.
- Memorize emergency hotlines or have them saved in your phone.
- Have an exit strategy when entering new environments—know where exits and safe places are.
- If using a rideshare or going on a date, share your location with a friend.
Self-Defense & De-Escalation:
- If threatened, try to remain calm and assess the safest option.
- In some situations, speaking confidently and setting firm boundaries can de-escalate tension.
- Consider taking a self-defense class to build confidence in handling unsafe encounters.