Associate professor of EMS (Emergency Medical Services), paramedic, Ginger Locke once said, “History has taught us that catastrophic things can happen when large groups of people assemble,

No matter how great your capacity for imagining the worst-case scenario, these kinds of events are relatively rare.

According to Terry Goldsworthy, Associate Professor in Criminology, of Bond University From 2012-2014, “stranger homicides in Australia accounted for just 3% of female murder victims (5 out of 184). In 2012-13, around 57% of stranger homicides occurred in the street or an open area. In 2013-14 that figure dropped to 41%.”

Some public violence did not make it to the news, while there are media coverage of public disasters and violence that give the impression to the viewers that dangers like these are inevitable. Not only are the chances surprisingly low, you can actually take steps to keep yourself safe in case something does actually happen when you’re at public places.

Here are some tips from Leelou on how to stay as safe as possible when in a public space:

Always be alert and aware of the people around you.
Walk into a nearby business or building that is occupied by many people to divert a possible criminal. Criminals do not like to victimize individuals in witness-rich environments. If at all possible, avoid putting yourself in isolated areas.

Stay in populated, well-lit areas.
Your safest choice is to use awareness and intuition to avoid possible trouble. Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible and walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.

Display an aware, confident attitude.
You know that feeling that you get in the pit of your stomach when you think something is wrong? Pay attention to it, and act appropriately. Walk confidently at a steady pace.

Keep a secure grip on your purse or bag, and close to your body.
Do not allow it to dangle. Keep fasteners and zippers closed. However, if threatened by a demand for your purse, do not choose your purse over your personal safety and wellbeing. If you are a victim of a purse snatch, act quickly and contact the police with a description of the subject and direction of travel.

Be aware of scams.
Remember to keep a good distance between yourself and the inquiring individual. Answer with brief, firm statements. Never allow yourself to be isolated by a stranger. Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street—continue walking.

Do not use or wear anything that will impede your vision or hearing.
Wearing sunglasses and earphones/headsets while walking can impede your vision and hearing that can lead to unpreparedness for an attack. If you hear the same footsteps behind you, don't be afraid to take a quick glance over your shoulder, and change your direction of travel.

How does it work?

In under 15-seconds, Leelou Guardians receive;

• GPS location of where distressed friend is,
• Recorded and streamed audio of the emergency,
• Simple, unique and real-to-life interactive dashboard,
• Group chat in the emergency to centralize support efforts,
• Silent override provides certainty of alert.

Step 1
Search and add from your phones contacts list, to your Leelou Contacts list.

Step 2
Carefully select and Invite up to 5 of these friends and family to be your Guardians who can and will respond in an emergency.

Step 3
Move the Leelou App icon to your home screen for easier access.

Step 4
In an emergency, press the SOS button and Guardians. If you ever feel vulnerable, use AIA Mode for instant access to get help to you fast.

Leelou Personal Safety App is a free downloadable from the Apple AppStore and Google Playstore here