Personal Safety

When you are out and about, it's easy to forget personal safety and that assaults on gay men still happen. If you're on the street or on your local cruising ground, remember: Out and about

Keep your wits about you. Try to avoid being on your own in an unfamiliar area, especially if you are drunk or have taken recreational drugs. Be vigilant when leaving gay venues.

Always walk with a purpose, head up, and as if you know where you're going. Be alert. Know who or what is behind you at all times. If you think you're being followed, cross the road to check. If possible keep to well lit and peopled streets.

If you feel threatened, try to attract attention or go into a shop, a pub, even knock on a door using the premise that you're looking for someone who you thought lived at the address.

If you think there is going to be trouble - get out. Think about how you might defend yourself if you had to - screaming, shouting, and/or running. (If available, self-defence courses are excellent for teaching you disabling tactics.)

If you can, carry a whistle or attack alarm and use it. Scream for help, bang on doors or flag down passing cars. But try not to look totally mad or they're likely to ignore you.

If you see someone being attacked, trying to help without putting yourself in danger. If you can't help yourself - get help.

Always use a registered taxi firm that you can trust. Be wary of unregistered cabs and taxi touts. Agree the fare before you get in. Also be cautious about travelling in a taxi alone. Consider sharing.

In an emergency always call 999.

If you feel threatened on public transport, stand near the exit, change carriage or seek the company of others. Cruising grounds

Cruising grounds can be dangerous places: know your exits. Tell a friend where you are going. If you know someone else there, make contact, you can look out for each other.

Personal stereos make you less aware of danger or attack.

Try not to carry valuables.

If you've met some one for the first time you may be tempted to take them home or go home with them. Beware of the risks. Get their phone number and suggest meeting another night.

Sexy though they may appear to be - stay clear of groups of straight men, particularly if they're loud or drunk.

Be wary of accepting lifts from strangers. If you are with a group of friends but do not know the driver, you should be cautious about being the last person to be dropped off. Hitchhiking can be dangerous. Try not to hitch alone although this may make getting lifts more difficult. Reporting violence

If you've been attacked or assaulted, call the Police and ask for the Gay and Lesbian Liaison or Community Officer. If you draw a blank, don't hesitate to phone GALOP which has a 'Shout Line' on (020) 7704 2040 offering assistance to lesbians, gay and bisexual men who have experienced violence, abuse or harassment (and this includes by other gay men).

Call a trusted and reliable friend for support. Meeting guys: a safety check When meeting a guy for the first time:

Tell a friend what you're doing and where you're going.

Arrange to meet in a public place.

Consider asking a friend to phone you on your mobile after 20 minutes (just in case you need to make an escape).

If you have any serious doubts: make an excuse and leave.

Don't give out your address until you're sure you want to continue seeing him This online advice guide is an extract from the book TOGETHER, by kind permission of Patriic Gayle and Gay Times Books. The book itself is over 300 pages long and contains:

several chapters more useful advice and information

more in-depth information in some chapters

more pictures and tables

further contacts at the end of each chapter

a comprehensive listing of gay and health organisations Described by Qx magazine as a 'Gay Bible', Together Book is a practical reference work no bookshelf should be without.

Available from Prowler Stores and all good bookshops, or click the link below for price and ordering details.

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