Buzz
There may come a moment when you find yourself walking or driving home, only to discover someone tailing you. In such a scenario, fear or panic could overwhelm you. However, there are numerous measures you can take to shield yourself from potential harm or theft by the individual trailing you. By determining if you're indeed being followed, taking actions to lose the pursuer amidst a crowd, and proactively safeguarding yourself against harm, you'll significantly enhance your ability to protect against victimization.
Actions
Seeking Assistance
Immediately contact law enforcement. Utilize your cellphone to dial emergency services. In case you don't have a cellphone, enter a nearby establishment, inform them of the situation, and request to use their phone to contact the police. Should they refuse, request their assistance in contacting authorities.
- Inform the police of the situation and express your fear for your safety.
- Provide as much information as possible about the individual tailing you.
- Provide precise details of your location.
- Adhere to their instructions.
Reach out to friends. Call or text friends who may be nearby and arrange to meet with them as soon as possible. Being in a group can deter the person following you and provide you with a sense of safety. Your friends may also be able to assist you if needed.
Make noise. If you feel threatened, yell loudly or honk your horn to attract attention. This may scare off the person following you and prompt others to come to your aid. If you're in a vehicle, consider activating your emergency lights to signal for help.
Escaping
Remain composed. Take deep breaths and avoid panicking. Focus on thinking clearly to find a safe way out of the situation. If necessary, count slowly to ten to help calm your nerves and prevent making hasty decisions.
Avoid going home. If you suspect someone is following you, refrain from returning home immediately. Going home could put you at risk of being cornered or targeted for a break-in. Instead, head to a public area until you are certain that you are no longer being followed.
Change direction or cross the street. Take the first opportunity to change your route or cross the street. This can make it more difficult for the person following you to keep track of your movements. With luck, you may lose them by maneuvering around buildings, blending into crowds, or navigating through traffic.
Make unexpected stops. If simply changing direction doesn't shake off your pursuer, try making frequent stops at unusual places along your route. Avoid your usual path home and opt for a more convoluted journey to throw off anyone tailing you.
Seek out crowded areas. Head towards locations with a high concentration of people, whether by foot or vehicle. The presence of others may discourage the person following you from approaching or causing harm.
Quickly flee the scene. If all else fails, consider running or driving away swiftly. Moving rapidly increases your chances of breaking free from your pursuer. When executing your escape plan, avoid getting stuck in traffic and opt for routes with multiple exits.
Protecting Yourself in a Physical Encounter
Consider giving up your money and/or valuables. If your attempts to evade the attacker are unsuccessful and they manage to physically confront you, it may be wise to surrender your money or valuables to avoid escalation of violence. Prioritize your safety over material possessions, as compliance might prevent harm.
Enroll in self-defense training. Take a self-defense class to learn techniques for protecting yourself against assailants. Armed with these skills, you can decide whether to defend yourself or comply with an attacker. Common maneuvers include targeting vulnerable areas like the groin or face.
Cooperate with the assailant. Follow their instructions without resistance, especially if they threaten you with a weapon. Compliance can lower the risk of physical harm. Avoid making sudden movements or challenging their authority.
Tips
- Carry a hat and overcoat in your purse or bag. If you suspect you're being followed, enter a public restroom and change into them to potentially confuse the pursuer.
- Only carry weapons permitted by law.
The advice shared here is gleaned from the real-life encounters of individuals like yourself within the Mytour community. Should you possess a valuable suggestion to contribute, kindly share it with us below.
- If you suspect being followed, execute four consecutive right or left turns, effectively forming a circle back to your starting point. If the individual persists, seek refuge in a crowded area and contact law enforcement.
- In the event of self-defense against a pursuer, aim to incapacitate by thrusting your thumbs into their eyes. Maintain pressure until they release you, then flee to safety.
- Familiarize yourself with your surroundings and identify potential escape routes, such as apartment stairwells, should you find yourself pursued.
