Safeguarding yourself this Christmas

Throughout this blog, I will share some top safeguarding resources with you—articles, statistics, and tips—to help you stay safe during this festive period!

Stay alert and aware this winter.
We wish you a peaceful festive period, but please stay safe. Here are some tips to ensure your safety:

💡Stay in well-lit, busy areas.
🗨️Avoid and leave aggressive situations.
🍹Never leave your drink unattended; inform staff if you feel unwell.
📱Report any crime or incidents to security or police immediately.
🚨Consider carrying a personal safety alarm.
👣Keep an eye out for your friends. You know them best, but if they’re staring, shouting, or squaring up, it’s a definite sign to get them to walk away.

Make sure you have a #FraudFree festive period.
Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, QR codes, or contacts on social media. Whether you see unbelievably good deals on clothes, tickets, or holidays or suspiciously low prices on advertised items, always double-check the authenticity of what you buy online before making a purchase or paying upfront fees.

Find out how to be safe from scams.

Drink spiking epidemic
By the end of April 2023, the police had received 6,732 spike reports. Numerous reports and news coverage have evidenced that spikes are only increasing.

Over Christmas, we want you to enjoy yourself, but always make sure you are safe and with trusted friends. According to data from the National Police Chiefs’ Council published in December 2022, based on people who have reported that they have been a victim of spiking:

The average age of victims across all types of spiking was 26 years.
Women were the victims in a large majority of all spiking offences (74%).
However, this can still affect men. Since a YouGov poll in December 2022, 10% of women and 5% of men said they had been spiked.

If you feel unsafe at a bar or restaurant, 'Ask for Angela' is a national campaign in England and other countries that helps people feel safe and get support when they feel vulnerable or threatened while out.

Read an article on boosting spiking awareness

How to stay fit at Christmas—or at least try to!
The festive season is often viewed as a time to relax and indulge, making it challenging to maintain fitness. However, staying active during Christmas significantly benefits mental and physical health. Carrie Baxter from the fitness app WithU recommends incorporating regular physical activity, including light cardio workouts at home to long walks outdoors.

For more tips on staying active during this festive period.

With the New Year approaching, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your resolutions! Whether your resolution focuses on exercising more, eating healthier, saving money, or focusing on personal growth, what’s one goal you’re excited to work toward in 2025?

Domestic abuse levels increase Over Christmas in the UK
Police Callouts
-Police forces across the UK see a spike in domestic abuse cases over Christmas.

Helplines
-Calls to the national domestic abuse helpline are higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Survey Results
-A Stowe Family Law survey found that one in six respondents believed they were more likely to experience domestic abuse during the festive period.

Factors that contribute to the increase in domestic abuse over Christmas include:
-Financial stress
-Alcohol consumption
-The pursuit of a "perfect" Christmas
-Prolonged close quarters
-Abusers use financial hardship as a tool for coercive and economic control

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, you can:
-Reach out to a support agency or a family member you trust
-Contact the police
-Apply for a Non-Molestation Order or an Occupation Order
-Speak to a family law solicitor for advice
-Contact emergency services on 999 in an emergency

Top tips on keeping your social media safe!

Social media is a great way to stay in touch with family and friends and keep up with the latest news. However, it’s important to know how to manage your accounts' security and privacy settings so that your personal information remains inaccessible to anyone but you. 

Find out how you can keep your social media safe.

RUN, HIDE, TELL!
It’s that time of year again when our towns and cities become busy with shoppers and social gatherings. Terrorist attacks usually happen in crowded places, so this is a good opportunity to share information about the excellent RUN HIDE TELL initiative.

This informative video from ProtectUK highlights the guidance issued by Counter Terrorism Policing for members of the public.