What to do if…
someone you know is pressuring you to go somewhere private in public

What to do now

1. Stay where people can see you. Stop near staff, a counter, a ticket barrier, a hotel desk, a shop entrance, a station concourse, or a busy pavement with a clear exit.
2. Use one clear line. Say, loudly enough for nearby people to hear: “No. I’m staying here.” Repeat it without explaining or debating.
3. Move toward staff, not away from them. Walk directly to a staff member, security desk, counter, ticket barrier, or reception point and say: “I need help. Please stay with me and call police or security.”
4. Ask specific people to help. Point to one person at a time and say: “Can you stay with me?” or “Can you call 999 now?”
5. Call 999 if there is immediate danger. Say where you are, that someone you know is trying to isolate you, and what they are doing now. If you cannot speak safely, call 999, listen, stay on the line, and cough or tap if you can. If prompted on a mobile, press 55 to show it is a genuine emergency.
6. Use a venue safety scheme only if it is available. Some venues use schemes such as Ask for Angela. If you see it advertised, ask staff for Angela. If you are not sure, say plainly: “I feel unsafe. Please keep them away from me and call police or security.”
7. If this is on rail in Great Britain or at a Great Britain station, get to staff or other passengers first. In an emergency, use 999, an emergency help point, railway staff, or a police officer. If it is not an emergency, you can text British Transport Police on 61016 with what is happening and where you are.
8. Once you are away from them, anchor the basics. Message someone you trust with your location and what happened. Make a short note of the time, place, what they said or did, and any witnesses.