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uk Personal safety & immediate danger stranger won’t leave me alone • unwanted conversation in public • street harassment • being bothered by a stranger • persistent man talking to me • someone keeps approaching me • can’t get away from stranger • uncomfortable interaction in public • pressured to be polite • followed after saying no • unwanted attention on the street • unwanted attention on public transport • stranger blocking my exit • fear of escalation • personal safety in public • someone keeps trying to talk • disengaged but they continue • harassment in public place

What to do if…
a stranger keeps trying to start conversation after you clearly disengage

Short answer

Create distance and put other people between you and them: move to a staffed/busy place and ask for help directly if they keep pushing or follow you.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t stay to “be polite” if you feel uneasy.
  • Don’t explain, debate, or keep answering questions “to end it nicely”.
  • Don’t share personal details (where you live, where you’re going, phone number, socials).
  • Don’t go with them to a quieter spot (even “just over there”).
  • Don’t let yourself get boxed in (corners, empty stairwells, inside lifts, between doors).
  • Don’t accept food/drinks/smokes or take your phone out for them to “show something”.
  • Don’t lead them to your home or parked car if you can avoid it.

What to do now

  1. Move to a safer pause immediately. Step into a shop/café, toward station staff, a busier platform area, a well-lit place, or near a group. Keep an exit route.
  2. Use one clear boundary (once), then stop engaging. In a calm voice: “I’m not available to talk. Please stop.” No apologies, no extra reasons.
  3. Bring in a third party early. Walk up to staff or a nearby group and say: “Hi—this person won’t leave me alone. Can I stand here / can you help me?” Being specific makes it easier for others to act.
  4. If you’re on the rail network (including the Underground), use the railway safety routes.
    • Go to staff first (or a Help Point if available) and stay in a visible, busier spot.
    • For non-emergencies: you can text British Transport Police (BTP) on 61016. In your text include what’s happening, where you are, and when (for example: line/direction, station, and carriage if you know it). You should get a confirmation reply.
    • If you can’t get phone signal: move toward staff/other passengers and use the train/station emergency communication options available there.
    • In an emergency: call 999 (don’t rely on 61016 for urgent help).
  5. Use your phone as a safety tool (not a distraction). Call someone and say out loud where you are and that you’re heading to staff/busy area. Keep your attention on your surroundings.
  6. Escalate quickly if there’s immediate risk. If they follow you closely, block your path, touch you, threaten you, or you think violence could happen soon, call 999. If it’s not an emergency but you want to report what happened, call 101 or report online when you’re safe.
  7. When you’re safe, write down key details while fresh (only if it’s safe to do so). Time, place, what they said/did, direction they went, and a description (clothes, height, distinguishing features). This helps if you report or if it happens again.

What can wait

  • Deciding whether it “counts” as harassment or whether you’ll formally report.
  • Writing a detailed account—brief notes are enough for now.
  • Contacting venues/transport operators, making complaints, or pursuing follow-up.
  • Any self-defence training or equipment decisions.

Important reassurance

You don’t owe a stranger your time or politeness. Feeling rattled or second-guessing yourself is common—your job in the moment is simply to create space, get into company, and make it harder for them to continue.

Scope note

These are first steps for the next minutes to hours. If this becomes repeated, targeted, or escalates, you may need additional support and reporting options.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal advice. If you feel in danger or a crime is happening, contact emergency services.

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