A woman has revealed a simple trick she uses to feel safer when walking alone at night, amid alarming statistics about violence against women.
The fear of walking alone, particularly at night, is a reality for many people, with harrowing figures highlighting the risks women in particular face each year.
In 2023, over one million crimes against women and girls were recorded in England and Wales, accounting for 20% of all crimes reported to police, according to ITN Business. The National Police Chiefs’ Council reports a woman is killed by a man every three days in the UK, and estimates that at least one in 12 women in England and Wales could be victims of violence annually, equating to around two million women.
Many are keen to bolster their personal safety, whether that be by avoiding dark car parks to sharing live locations with loved ones. One woman has found that pretending to be on a phone call while walking alone at night helps her evade potentially dangerous situations.
Sharing her tip on Reddit’s Life Hacks forum, she wrote: “Whenever I’m walking home alone at night and feel uneasy, I start a fake phone call with a friend or family member. I make sure to say things like ‘I’ll be home in 5 minutes’ or ‘Yeah, I’m just at the corner of X and Y.’
“Not only does this make me feel safer, but there have been a couple of times when sketchy people noticeably changed direction after seeing me ‘on the phone.’ I know it’s a little paranoid, but it’s worked for me more than once. Anyone else use this trick, or am I being too cautious?”
The post sparked a flurry of responses, with many sharing their own experiences and tips. One person highlighted Strut Safe, a UK based service staffed by volunteers who provide company to those walking alone.
Its website states: “Strut Safe is a UK-wide phone line. If you’re walking alone, our volunteers will be a friendly voice to keep you company and help you feel safe until you are through the door.”
Another user reassured the original poster, saying: “Nah you’re not being too cautious. It’s a good tactic to employ and creates another barrier for any would-be attacker. I honestly recommend actually calling up a friend or family member though just for added security.”
A third shared: “I have to walk in a sketchy area after work to get to my car, and I’ve had people follow me around on bikes. I also do the fake phone call trick to get them to bugger off.”
Another suggested: “Acting like you’re live streaming by recording a video or actually live-streaming would offer the most protection.”
And yet another admitted: “I also pretend to talk on the phone and will say “yes, I can see you” and wave towards the direction I’m walking as if I can see the person whom I’m on the phone with.”
Everyone should have the right to walk alone at night without fear for their safety. Regrettably, this isn’t always the case.
If you find yourself having to walk alone at night, ensure that you remain alert and that a trusted person is aware of your whereabouts and when you’re expected to arrive home safely. If there’s no one you can reach out to, dial up a Strut Safe volunteer on 0333 335 0026.
They are available from 7pm until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 7pm until 1am on Sundays.