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Don't have nightmares

Staying safe factoid Almost 11% of people who report having their drink spiked are male.
NHS Direct

Chances are, nothing will happen to you. But those chances will be even greater if you take steps to stay safe. No brainer, innit. Here's what you can do…

…at home alone

Check all the windows are secure.
Lock the door from the inside.
If someone knocks on the door, check who it is. If you don't know them well, don't let them in.
If you have a back door, lock it before you go to the front door.
Don't tell any caller, including phone callers, that you're alone. Tell them your mum/dad/enormous wrestling-champion big brother is asleep or in the bath.
If the gas man or similar calls, tell him/her it's not a good time and to come back later.

…out and about

Don't go down dark alleys or anywhere you don't know.
Keep an eye on your drink. Even soft drinks can be spiked.
Trust your feelings. If you feel freaked out, change your route or go somewhere where you feel safe.
Look confident.
Set your phone to vibrate or discreet so you're not a target to phone-thieves.
Don't walk while you talk or text, so you know what's going on around you.
Before getting a lift text the car reg to a friend or your parents.
Before you go out make sure your phone is charged and in credit.

…online

If you have a Bebo/MySpace/Facebook account, adjust your account settings so only approved friends can instant message you or see your personal details.
When gaming, use a made-up name and don't be tricked into giving away any personal details.
Don't have anyone on your IM contact list who you don’t know in the real world.
Learn how to keep personal info, like bank details, secure online. The first link below will tell you how.
And obviously you know about treating anything any stranger says in chatrooms and forums with suspicion. Sexy 16-year-old boy asking when you lost your virginity = pervy old git. Sometimes. But not worth the risk.

Written by Ali Cronin

Last updated 17th June 2007

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