From the College Counsellor

If you think you are being followed

The feeling of being watched is something that most of us have experienced at some stage. Thankfully in the majority of cases this is just down to an overactive imagination, but what if your fears were correct? What if you were being followed? As our young daughters gain independence and try new things, they might begin walking to school or home on their own for the very first time. Having a conversation about personal safety does not need to be over-the-top and alarmist, but it is not something that should be taken lightly either. 

Many parents want to know practical approaches to keep their daughters safe from danger when they are out and about. Below are just some ideas to consider when having a discussion about personal safety and what your daughter can do to stay safe if she feels she is being followed. 

Keep calm

Instinct can play a key role. It’s important to trust your senses and keep a calm head to protect yourself and get to safety as quickly as possible. Whilst the urge to run might be strong, it is best to slow down and give yourself a moment to gather your thoughts and take stock of what’s happening around you. 

Pay attention and be aware of your surroundings

We often do things on autopilot. Take notice of the route you take and minimise any distractions. It can be difficult to be fully aware of your surroundings if you have headphones in and music blaring. Try not to keep looking over your shoulder. You may need to mix things up and take a detour or different route to confuse your follower. 

Go where people are

Get to somewhere public as quickly as you can even if you have to double back to where you started from. Crowds can deter a stalker from continuing to follow or approaching you as there are too many witnesses around. 

Get on the phone

Call a friend or family member, tell them where you are and stay on the phone with them until you feel comfortable.

Call police

If you feel you are in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to contact the police and get help. Making a report to police about being followed, even if you can’t identify the offender, may also prevent someone from committing further crimes. 

Carry a personal safety device or install a safety app on your mobile phone

There are several apps built specifically for personal safety with different personal safety features and are available for Android and iOS. You can alert police or your emergency contacts with these apps if you’re in trouble, so they’re great tools to have on your phone. You may wish to do your own research and find an app or personal safety service that best suits the needs of your family.

If you would like to discuss the above or have any concerns about your daughter, please feel free to contact the College Counsellors – Louise Scuderi via louise.scuderi@syd.catholic.edu.au or Monica Rogenmoser via monica.rogenmoser@syd.catholic.edu.au or phone (02) 9816 2041 / 0435 659 694.