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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations

What to do if…
someone crowds your personal space in a sexual way and you feel trapped

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Move towards a safer, more public place and get another person involved. If you are in immediate danger or cannot get away, call 999.

Do not do these things

  • Do not force yourself to remain polite or continue the interaction.
  • Do not go somewhere more isolated with the person to discuss what they are doing.
  • Do not confront or physically challenge them if that could increase the danger.
  • Do not blame yourself if you freeze, become quiet or cannot respond clearly.
  • Do not pressure yourself to decide immediately what to call the behaviour or whether to report it.

What to do now

  1. Move towards staff, security, a driver, an open business, a well-lit public area or a group of people.
  2. If it feels safe, use a short phrase such as “Step back”, “Do not touch me” or “I need space”. You do not need to explain or debate.
  3. Address a specific nearby person or member of staff and say that you feel unsafe and need them to stay with you or help you leave.
  4. Contact someone you trust. Tell them where you are and ask them to remain on the phone, meet you or arrange safe transport.
  5. If the person blocks you, follows you, touches you or you believe you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you call from a mobile and cannot speak, listen to the operator and press 55 when prompted.
  6. Once you are somewhere safer, check whether you need urgent medical attention. Call 999 for a medical emergency.
  7. If unwanted sexual contact happened, or you are unsure how to describe what happened, contact a specialist sexual violence service. You can seek support without first deciding whether to report to the police.

What can wait

You do not need to decide now whether the behaviour was harassment or assault, whether the person intended it, whether to confront them, whether to report it or how to give a full account. Focus only on reaching safety, getting support and meeting any immediate medical needs.

Important reassurance

Freezing, becoming quiet or being unable to move away does not make what happened your fault. You are not responsible for managing the other person’s reaction, and you do not need to be certain how to label the behaviour before asking for support.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps only. Later decisions about healthcare, workplace or venue complaints, reporting, legal options or continuing contact may require specialist support.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, medical, therapeutic or other professional advice. Services and procedures can vary across the UK, so check the relevant service for your location.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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