The topic of personal safety is more relevant than ever, especially as we continue to deal with increasing reports of antisocial behaviour in our towns and cities. From people recklessly riding e-bikes on pavements to the trauma of witnessing violent crimes, the spectrum of what makes people feel unsafe is wide and it’s deeply personal.
What worries one person may not bother another. But here’s the key: even perceived fear is still fear. It doesn’t require a specific event to trigger it. Just walking down the street and feeling uneasy, even if nothing happens, is a real and valid emotional response. Our environment, the stories we hear, and what we’ve experienced all shape our sense of safety.
So when do we begin to take personal safety seriously? Do we wait until something happens? Often, by then, it’s too late. Think of it like wearing a seatbelt, not because you expect an accident, but because it’s a precaution. The same goes for self-defence: you train not with the hope of using it, but to be prepared just in case.
But does that mean we should walk around constantly expecting danger? No, that’s not a sustainable or healthy way to live. Living in fear is exhausting. Instead, self-defence and situational awareness can help us distinguish real danger from imagined threats. They give us the tools not just to protect ourselves, but to recognise when to walk away, when to step in, and how to avoid risky situations altogether.
And this brings us back to the core idea: personal safety is exactly that—personal. It’s about you, your instincts, your preparedness. There may be no police nearby, no heroes waiting around the corner. It may come down to you alone. That’s a reality many people don’t want to face. There’s a tendency to rely on others, to think, “someone will help me”. But ask yourself: if something happened, could you respond? Could you protect yourself or someone you love?
Of course, we must acknowledge that not everyone can. There are vulnerable people in every community who deserve protection. While we talk about personal safety, we also carry a shared responsibility to look out for one another. Parents protect children, friends look out for each other, and sometimes, strangers step in when needed.
This was especially evident in the aftermath of the Sarah Everard case. The conversation around how men could make women feel safer became urgent. Men took to social media asking, “Should I cross the road? Should I speak up? How do I help?” These are important questions and show that most people do want to make a difference.
The reality is that predators will always exist. That’s not pessimism, it’s a hard truth. A better society would be one where anyone, man, woman, could walk freely, without fear. Until then, personal safety remains a personal responsibility. And sometimes, the person protecting others could be you.