Being attacked

• Get as much attention as you can. Scream and shout, let off a personal alarm, whatever it takes.
• If possible, RUN. Head towards a lighted place and get inside.
• If your bag is snatched, let it go.
• Fight back only if you are being physically attacked.
• If you are badly hurt, ask someone to call an ambulance on 999.
• If you do not need medical attention, ring 999 and ask for the police. Try to stay calm and explain as clearly as you can exactly what
  happened. Describe the attacker. Ask the police officer what to do
  next. Someone may need to come out and talk to you.

Key link: Thames Valley Police

Related topics: Personal Safety, Robbery/Theft

Rape and Sexual assault

Both men and women can be raped and sexually assaulted. Whether or not to report the offence can be a difficult decision and the Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Line can help.

Take action: Call the Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Line on freephone 0800 783 6294 / 01865 726295.

If you decide to make a report go to the nearest police station. They have a better chance of collecting evidence if you do not wash or change clothes before going. If possible, take someone with you. You will probably be examined by a police surgeon in order to collect evidence for use in court. Even if there is no proof of penetration, the offender can still be charged with either sexual assault or attempted rape.

If you decide not to make a report, you should still see your GP to check for STIs, pregnancy and injuries.

It is normal for victims to have feelings of fear, shame, self-disgust and anger, even though they are not to blame. Specialist police officers, counsellors and specialist organisations are trained to help people work through these feelings and not blame themselves.

Key links: www.childline.org.uk, www.rapecrisis.org.uk, www.survivorsuk.org

Bullying

Bullying can involve name-calling, being ignored or other forms of harassment. It can also involve being violently attacked. It can also involve making you feel so bad you want to harm yourself. These are both kinds of emergency. In a bullying emergency:

• Get away from your attacker (or away from anything you could use to harm yourself)
• Get any injuries seen to
• Talk to someone you can trust

Related topics: Bullying, Being Bullied

Suicide and Self Harm

When someone gets very unhappy or depressed, they may become suicidal (want to kill themselves), or want to hurt themselves. If this happens you should get help right away.

• Stop doing anything dangerous, like drinking, taking drugs, or driving a car
• Get away from anything you could use to harm yourself
• Phone the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or Childline on 0800 1111 and talk about how you feel

Related topics: Depression, Self Harm

Abuse

If you are being abused by someone, it is crucial that you get help right away. Abuse usually repeats and get worse over time unless someone takes steps to stop it happening.

• Talk to someone you can trust
• Phone Childline on 0800 1111 if you can't think of anyone

Related topics: Protection from Abuse, Abuse, Domestic Violence

Fire

In an emergency, get out, stay out, call 999 and ask for Fire services.

Key link: Fire Kills