Danielle Godfrey. Photos: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY DANIELLE GODFREY
Personal safety isn’t about living in fear or assuming danger is around every corner. It’s about developing awareness, trusting your instincts, and knowing you have options when something doesn’t feel right.
After 12 years working as a Police Officer and Detective, one of the most important lessons I learned is that dangerous situations don’t always begin with an obvious threat. A seemingly safe situation can escalate quickly, and there are often small warning signs beforehand that may go unnoticed.
That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your surroundings, particularly when you’re alone. Put your phone away when walking at night or in unfamiliar areas so that you can utilise all of your senses. If something doesn’t look or feel right, take action early: create distance, change direction, or move towards a safer location.
Women in particular can feel pressure to be polite, even when they’re uncomfortable. Your safety is more important than worrying about appearing rude and confidently using your voice may deter someone from continuing their behaviour. You are allowed to say no, change your mind, refuse assistance, ignore someone, or cross the road.
Clear boundaries are also important. Use confident body language, maintain distance, and communicate clearly. Simple statements such as “No, thank you”, “Please step back” or “I don’t need any help” let someone know where your boundary is and that you are not going to be an easy target.
Physical self-defence should always be a last resort. The goal of personal safety isn’t to win a fight – it’s to recognise danger early, make good decisions and get yourself to safety.
Awareness doesn’t mean being afraid or changing your lifestyle. It means understanding potential risks, paying attention to what’s happening around you, trusting yourself and knowing when it’s time to act.
Danielle Godfrey is a former Police Officer and Detective of 12 years and founder of Girl Aware, delivering personal safety and de-escalation education to women and girls in schools, workplaces and community organisations.
