The recent tragic incidents involving the stabbing of trans women and girls by both strangers and people they knew personally underscores the importance of personal safety for everyone, but especially young people (who are more frequently assaulted), to remain vigilant and proactive about their safety, irrespective of how well-acquainted or close one might feel with others. Attacks can come at any time, from anyone - and recent incidents highlight that personal safety is not just limited to understanding the risks of "walking home in the dark", stranger-danger and the importance of taking self-defence classes - so break-away techniques won't be specifically discussed here as they are a physical skill that needs practice. The threats that we face are also more complex and are often premeditated, and so necessitate additional counter-measures. This guide will delve into various aspects of personal safety for trans women and girls: such as who to trust, using personal alarms and GPS trackers effectively, identifying threats and escape routes, what to do in emergencies, and post-emergency actions. I'll be walking you through a multi-layered approach to personal safety, based on my research, training, experience and key points about the characteristics of the recent attacks on trans women and girls. This is not about victim-blaming, predicting attacks is extremely difficult and sadly there is nothing you can do to absolutely guarantee your physical safety. It is also not comprehensive, although I do try and touch on some different scenarios. I don't pretend to be an expert, but I hope that I can offer some useful information, encourage research, and bring trans women's safety to the foreground.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Safety and Social Media
Some people feel strongly about being open regarding their trans identity from the outset, which is absolutely valid. However, it’s important to recognise that such an approach comes with increased risk; especially now as the social climate for transitioned women worsens year after year. Hate crimes against us have risen dramatically over recent times, and this trend shows no sign of reversing any time soon.
One fundamental aspect when considering your security using social media involves being cautious about what personal information you share publicly, including home addresses, phone numbers, workplace details, photographs and selfies, locations and real names.
Deciding whether to disclose your history online involves carefully balancing authenticity and safety. On the one hand, being open about who you are can foster connections with supportive communities, build self-esteem, and contribute positively to broader social awareness. However, it also comes with significant risks.
While online harassment is a common experience for trans women, ranging from hurtful comments to threats of violence, this sometimes translates to violence in the real world. Activist Katie Montgomery was randomly attacked on a night out. Here she describes her experience:

Consider creating separate online personas for different aspects of your life - professional profiles that are more public-facing versus personal accounts shared with a smaller circle of friends and family. This helps compartmentalize the risks associated with each platform while allowing you to maintain connections in various areas of your social network.
Additionally, be mindful of how much information you share about yourself online. While it can feel liberating to express who you are authentically, oversharing personal details such as medical history or intimate experiences can make you more vulnerable to harassment and exploitation.
Using pseudonyms, or an "alias", is an effective strategy for maintaining your privacy online while still being able to engage in communities or share content publicly. A well-chosen username allows you to express who you are while being careful not to reveal identifiable information.
Given this context, many find adopting an initially "stealth" approach beneficial before gradually disclosing more, if and when you feel comfortable. Remember it's difficult to remove once it's on the internet, so air on the side of caution. What 20 year old you might think is fine, 40 year old you might deeply regret.
And lastly, Galop have produced some information for online safety related to domestic abuse. You can read more here.
GPS tracking
I can't emphasise enough how important sharing your live location with trusted people is. Especially if you are travelling somewhere new or going on a date with someone you don't know well – or at all. You can never predict what kind of situation you might find yourself in, and this is particularly important for trans women in their teens and 20's, who are both at the highest risk of being assaulted, but who also tend to be more predisposed to thrill and risk-taking behaviours. I'm not saying don't have fun, but do it safely. Parents need to be aware that GPS tracking is for emergency use only, not "discipline", there must be an agreement between you and your parent, that this agreement is non-negotiable. Teenage trans girls will want to risk-take and such agreements should be based on the agreement that you will never be the case that they are never "in trouble" if a parent needs to check in on you, it's part of ensuring that your emergency plans are robust.

Apps like Google Maps, Find My Friends (iOS) and Glympse let you share real-time coordinates which can be tracked for however long suits. There are also over 60 additional personal safety apps for the UK out there, like Holliguard or Aster, for example, but you will have to test them out and re-test them especially after updates are applied. They all have different functionalities, with some including detecting when you have fallen over, and others are activated by shaking your phone or pressing buttons. You can also buy watches with similar functionality which have the advantage of discretion as well as being less likely to be separated from you. Discreet GPS trackers can be easy to hide and also offer the protection that they won't easily be recognised. Whichever method you choose, always be sure to familiarise yourself with them, check the reviews and make sure you know their strengths and limitations. This is not a post reviewing these devices (and very few such reviews exist), however, this might be a topic for future blogs!
Do make sure to update the ICE (In Case of Emergency) details on your phone. Emergency services are trained to check ICE if you are unconscious, and will help them not only to inform contacts but also to treat you effectively. ICE information can be accessed without a PIN, just like emergency service calls.
Environmental Awareness
Maintaining a heightened sense of situational awareness is crucial for ensuring your security, especially in potentially dangerous situations or areas. This involves a degree of prior preparation - however, it's time well spent to protect you and your friends. Being mindful of your physical surroundings and understanding how different environments can help, but safety involves a raft of measures not only to identify risk and notify others but also to prevent or deter. Especially before going out alone or to unfamiliar areas, have your emergency plans ready and share them with someone you trust.
When venturing into any location at any time of the day, it’s essential to assess potential risks. Identify poorly lit areas or isolated spots like alleyways or car parks which might provide cover for attackers. Always opt for safer alternatives like well-lit pathways, those covered by CCTV and populated by other people providing a natural deterrent against would-be assailants. You could also check crime maps online which pinpoint exactly where incidents have occurred, search for "crime map police" and choose the right region/constabulary. When walking around your local area or travelling somewhere new, always pay attention to your surroundings so try not get too absorbed by your phone/music!
Meeting up
One of the safest ways to meet new people – especially those from dating apps or sites, is doing so in a public place with plenty of others around. Cafes and restaurants are good locations because they're usually well-lit, have staff who can help if needed (and might even recognise you as a regular), plus there's an easy exit should things not go as planned! Here are some additional tips when arranging to meet up:
Before meeting anyone new in person it’s good practice first speaking with them via video call. That way, if they seem different than their profile or make you feel uncomfortable for any reason then at least face-to-face interaction can be avoided altogether; plus seeing someone's facial expressions and body language helps gauge whether this is a trustworthy individual (and also confirms it really is the same person behind that cute pic!).
When deciding where to meet, pick locations well populated with lots of foot traffic – avoid secluded spots like parks at night or anywhere else which might be deserted. It's safer meeting up somewhere neutral rather than either party inviting each other over straight away; remember it’s okay to say no if someone suggests otherwise.
Always let a close contact know when/where you're heading especially the person's name and any relevant details like their username handle, profile pic etc.. Have this information stored somewhere safe too e.g., a notes app on your phone which can be accessed quickly should anything happen; it might prove invaluable for the police if needed.
Even in public spaces keep aware of your surroundings & don't get too comfortable – remember that date rape drugs like Rohypnol can be slipped into drinks, so never leave yours unattended and always watch it being prepared/served.
In the event of an immediate threat to your personal security - whether it be a physical assault by someone known personally, like in recent stabbing incidents, or harassment from strangers - it is crucial that you have multiple layers of protection with pre-planned escape routes and firmly established plans. This preparation can make all the difference between safely removing oneself from harm's way versus becoming trapped with limited options available. You might want to think about code words that you can use with trusted people to indicate that you're in danger - consider language that will seem normal and not attract attention, but will alert your friends - asking them things about what they don't have might help (for example a partner, wife, pet, or how their studying is going). Next, I'll be discussing verbal and non-verbal cues that might help you make a risk assessment.
Trust Wisely
Misplaced trust can be a significant vulnerability; recent events remind us that threats can sometimes originate from those nearest to us - "friends" who are deceitful, becoming adversarial when we least anticipate it. Trust is the foundation of every meaningful relationship, whether romantic, platonic, or professional. Yet, understanding whom to trust can be challenging, especially for young people who find it difficult to identify behaviours that might undermine safety or emotional well-being. Recognising red flags and valuing the qualities of healthy relationships are vital to navigating these complexities.
Red flags often appear subtly at first, but their implications can become more serious over time. For example, if someone insists on meeting in isolated areas rather than safe public spaces and brushes aside your concerns as trivial, it indicates a disregard for your safety. Similarly, aggression, even when disguised as minor acts like slamming doors, or verbal abuse of others presents a risk that that anger may be directed at you.
The way someone interacts with your friends and family can provide some insight into their character. Consistently rude or dismissive behaviour toward others including strangers, and especially those you care about, signals a lack of respect for the systems that support you.
Manipulation is another significant warning sign. Guilt-tripping, emotional blackmail, or pressuring someone into anything you find uncomfortable or unsafe reveals is a big red flag. Coupled with attempts to isolate you from supportive friends and family through secrecy or fear, these tactics demonstrate a dynamic of control - you should avoid these people. When something feels “off,” it’s crucial to trust your instincts, even without concrete evidence. Our intuition often serves as an early warning system, helping us recognize potential harm before it becomes apparent. A feeling of "walking on glass", that you are frightened to say or do anything to "trigger" a response or situation is a signal that you need to get out of there quickly.
In contrast to these red flags, healthy relationships are characterized by qualities that nurture safety, respect, and emotional growth. At their core is a mutual respect for safety and boundaries. A supportive relationship honours each other's comfort and autonomy, ensuring both individuals feel heard and valued.
In healthy relationships, communication is open and constructive, with both individuals actively listening without judgment. Such relationships foster personal growth by offering a safe environment to celebrate achievements, provide support during challenges, and navigate change together. This mutual exchange of care and kindness reflects a shared desire for emotional security.
Mistakes are inevitable, but how they’re addressed defines the strength of a relationship. Accountability and genuine apologies show a willingness to learn and grow, rebuilding trust rather than allowing harm to fester. Equally important are moments of shared joy - laughter and playfulness that strengthen bonds and remind us why the connection matters.
Balancing caution with openness is key. While it’s essential to be mindful of potential red flags, we must also remain open to connection, trusting that healthy relationships built on honesty and mutual respect are possible. By recognising what to avoid and valuing the traits of supportive relationships, we create space for safe and fulfilling connections.
If an acquaintance or friend makes you uncomfortable or seeks to goad you into meeting somewhere unsafe for any reason and/or continues to persist despite your requests, consider cutting off communication with them immediately and informing trusted friends so they can also stay safe around this individual.
Pre-Attack Indicators
Pre-attack indicators are behavioural or situational clues that may precede a physical assault. These include both subtle indicators of manipulation over time used by predators who pre-meditate attacks, and those of domestic abusers, but also preverbal cues from strangers or others that indicate an imminent attack. Here, I'll expand on "trusting wisely", and highlight significant red flags you should be aware of.
Verbal Cues:
Manipulation
In some cases, attackers may use reverse psychology to catch their targets off guard through extreme friendliness or sometimes submissiveness after periods of violence. This behaviour serves as an insidious manipulation technique and should be carefully observed for its underlying motives rather than taken at face value. Friendliness and manipulation are particularly true of cis female predators, who will attempt to lure their targets into dangerous situations, usually accompanied by a man or group of people motivated by transphobia.
This form of emotional manipulation, where cisgender women or girls gain the trust of trans women or girls to later harm or set them up for harm, is a particularly insidious tactic. It leverages social norms of trust, vulnerability, and a desire for acceptance that many trans women and girls may feel. They may act overly friendly, empathetic, or supportive of your experiences, presenting themselves as an ally. The perpetrator might exploit insecurities (e.g., dysphoria, isolation, or past trauma) to deepen trust, often offering unsolicited advice or protection. Once trust is established, the manipulator might gradually introduce doubt, criticism, or challenges to the trans person’s identity or boundaries. Alternatively, they may expose the trans person to others who are hostile or encourage them to enter unsafe situations.
Here are some ways to guard against manipulation:
Notice Red Flags:
They’re overly enthusiastic about being your friend early on.
Their opinions or actions seem to change depending on the audience.
They occasionally make subtly cutting remarks disguised as jokes or "honesty."
They push for intimate or sensitive information too quickly.
They frame their curiosity as wanting to “help” but offer no practical support.
You feel like you’re walking on eggshells around them, unsure of their motives.
You feel pressured to prove yourself or earn their approval
They manipulate friends, family or others to not trust or believe what you say. Their intention is to manipulate others against you.
Be wary of sudden shifts in tone:
They act cold, critical, or dismissive after previously being supportive.
They use information you’ve shared to embarrass or undermine you.
They discourage you from trusting other friends or community members.
They position themselves as the only person you can rely on.
In talking with survivors of domestic violence, what strikes them the most is that their perpetrator seems "false", there is a significant difference in the way they treat you and the way they interact with other people. You can sense the facade.
Direct Threats and Challenges
In cases of directly threatening situations involving violence, verbal cues can range from explicit threats to more subtle indicators. Some attackers may directly threaten their victims with statements like "I'm going to get you," while others might escalate aggressive arguments into detailed descriptions of violent actions they intend to carry out.
Here are some pre-attack patterns you might observe:
Derogatory Language: Use of slurs and derogative terms targeting someone’s gender identity can be a precursor.
Threats Directly Stated Or Implied: This includes explicit threats ("I'm going to hurt...") as well as implied ones (e.g., "You're asking for it").
Aggressive Tone or Body Language: Even if the words themselves aren't threatening, an aggressive tone of voice can indicate hostility.
Challenging Statements: Phrases like “I don’t believe you’re really a woman” followed by hostile questioning about one’s identity could escalate into violence in some cases.
Anyone who is trying to provoke a reaction should instantly raise significant concern. It is your queue to remove yourself from the situation immediately. Be mindful that running could induce a chase response, so keep your movements purposeful and brisk if possible. Seek shelter and consider enlisting the help of bystanders - let them know that you don't know the aggressor and that you're scared.
While these verbal indicators might precede physical attacks, not all confrontations will result in an assault; however, any form of harassment or threat should be taken seriously and addressed appropriately. If you've had to remove yourself from a situation, talk to trusted family or friends about the situation and seek support. You might be shaken, and find it difficult to know what to do. They can help you stay safe, or come and collect you. You might want to document the incident by keeping records of what happened and report it to the police.
It's crucial not only to pay attention to these verbal cues but also to consider non-verbal behaviours. Combining both forms of communication provides a more accurate assessment and helps in identifying immediate dangers early on.
Non-verbal Cues and Personal Space
When it comes down to being aware in public, the first thing is the gut feeling or intuition that something isn't quite right with your surroundings or those around you. Though sometimes our instincts can fail us due to fatigue from lack of sleep etc., they might give off warning signs that there may be danger nearby, so always trust them when possible.
One thing you might want to be aware of is your bubble of personal space. It's about an arm's length or 1 meter around you at all times (this varies slightly depending on cultural norms). People who invade this area without invitation should be considered a risk. The closer someone gets within your bubble the more aware/alert you need to be. Strangers should be in the "public" space, and watch those who get too close.

Verbal harassment can be preceded by this invasion first, so be mindful when strangers approach too closely without good reason. Sometimes they may try to hide their intent (e.g., asking directions). But if someone does get uncomfortably close, try and create distance by stepping back or side-stepping away while keeping eye contact.
Body language also speaks volumes about someone’s intentions so always be watching for signs of aggression like clenched fists or jaw muscles tensing up - these are common indicators that violence could soon follow if not de-escalated quickly! A person getting ready to attack will often ball their hands into tight fists, tense shoulders and neck area while leaning forward slightly with weight shifted onto front foot/leg as though preparing themselves physically too. A posture like this usually means you're in imminent danger, so again keep your distance, ask bystanders for help, and consider using your alarm. Watch for mirroring behaviours indicating that someone has "locked on" to you, for example, you cross the road, and they do the same.
The moments preceding an impending attack are difficult to spot but remain a crucial tool, and identification of these situations is something that might alert you at the last minute. Attacks against us are commonly premeditated and frequently involve a combination of weapons and overwhelming force. Something to spot and practice is noticing proximity, grouping and posture. People involved in such attacks rely on both the element of proximity and surprise, however, there might be some situations where you might be aware of the possibility of entering a dangerous situation. The earlier you can spot this, the greater your chance of survival - you have precious few seconds to evade. Please take care reading from here, this part of the guide contains images that might be distressing.
Flanking and surrounding is a tactic used by groups of people to fence in their victim. In premeditated attacks, people will naturally form "arenas" where exits will be blocked. Notice the 2 perpetrators, circled in red here, blocking any escape, the horseshoe shape of the other attackers, those on the margins, and the unusual positioning of the two nearest the camera which could have suggested the concealment of a weapon. She was baited towards a trusted friend in the centre of the horseshoe, so be aware of the proximity and gaze of those around you. If all eyes are on you, there's something they know that you don't. The attack happened seconds later. Be alert to strange group dynamics and posturing. This was the attack that happened in Harlow, and this girl was both groomed and lured and she had no chance to defend herself. The teenage trans girl was ventilated but survived, and she courageously shared these images nationwide to warn others and highlight the plight and extent of violence directed at trans women and girls.

Friends don't tend to "horseshoe" when traversing public spaces. They walk in lines of people bunched into smaller groups. Look at the difference between the way that the perpetrators entered, again only seconds before, and how the shape changed highlighting how sudden changes in positioning signal an impending attack.

The use of mobile phones to film attacks is a component of the recent high-profile attacks against young trans women and girls. Just as the victim walks into the car park, you can see the two people blocking her exit are filming it. Be highly suspicious of an impending attack if you notice you are being filmed like this. In this situation, she was completely unaware of it, but in other situations, you might notice it. Be aware of any non-verbal information being communicated by groups of people, such as an exchange of glances, or restless or fidgety behaviour. In other situations, people who intend to harm you or others might show a heightened awareness of their surroundings, be looking around excessively, or scanning for CCTV or anyone that might intervene.
Other things to be aware of in dangerous situations like premeditated attacks might include baggy clothing that might be used to conceal a weapon. Other weapon-indicating behaviours include having their hands behind their back, and adjusting clothing unnaturally, such as pulling at a waistband or coat, or a noticeable bulge in their clothing.
Even if well prepared, you may still face situations that take you by surprise. In the next section, I'll discuss how to handle personal safety emergencies using deterrents.
Auditory Alarms: Used to distract, break away, and give time to seek safety.
Personal alarms are indispensable tools designed to deter potential attackers and alert bystanders, offering a critical layer of emergency protection. They are the last line of defence. These devices emit an ear-piercing sound that can startle aggressors into retreating while simultaneously drawing attention from those nearby who may be able to intervene or call emergency services.
When choosing the right personal alarm for your needs consider factors such as size (for ease-of-carry), decibel level emitted, and battery life. Consider how you are going to attach the alarm, and how easy it is to use. In the majority of attacks, your perpetrator will want you to be unaware, so an alarm in the bottom of your bag just isn't going to cut it. You might want to think of carrying an alarm (or multiple alarms) that isn't easy to identify, you can get ones that can be misidentified as fashion accessories. Furthermore, consider alarms that aren't easy to cover. Multiple alarms reduce the chance that your attackers will be able to disable them all, you can also use alarms in different ways to startle and distract your aggressor.

Keep your alarm a secret, especially how to deactivate it. When selecting a personal alarm, opt for those with discreet disarming methods. Alarms secured with a pin may be obvious to disarm, but in an emergency, you can discard the pin, making it more difficult to disable the alarm and potentially distracting an attacker who might try to locate the pin. Choose a sturdy model, preferably waterproof, and consider how you will attach it to yourself, and how you will use it. You may want one that fits in your bra or includes a strobe light to help others locate the alarm's source. After your alarm has startled or deterred an attacker, it's vital to act swiftly. Move toward populated, well-lit areas like cafes, restaurants, shops, pubs, or nightclubs with open doors for quick access to safety while attracting attention from others who can assist if needed. Alerting bystanders to your situation can encourage them to offer help to someone visibly in distress.
There are two methods of using personal alarms, one of which is the "alarm grenade", and the other is the "attention alarm". Alarm grenades are pulled from you, and either thrust in the face of, thrown at, or dropped near, to startle and disorientate your aggressor. These are considered single-use, as your top priority will then be to seek safety immediately. The second type of alarm is the "attention alarm". Attention alarms are securely fastened to you in some way and feature a pin that you can discard in single-use situations, or hide on you, depending on the threat severity.
If it's safe and feasible after arriving at a more secure place, contact the police immediately. Offer detailed information, including descriptions or any suspicious activities noticed before you activated your alarm, to ensure the police are completely informed about the incident. This guarantees a swift response if an active threat remains.
Additionally, inform trusted contacts such as close friends and family members immediately via phone call, text message apps like WhatsApp etc., informing them of the situation including where you are currently, reassuring them while also seeking their support or advice. This might help you recall vital details later on.
If possible and it's safe to do so, document details surrounding the incident, recording any individuals involved (descriptions), location, time and the time of the incident. Ensuring all relevant information is captured fresh and accurately presented might help later on, during an investigation.
Emergency Calls
If it feels like the situation could get heated or violent very soon, someone is in immediate danger or you need support right away it's ok to dial 999. Examples also include:
Use, or immediate threat of use, of violence
serious injury to a person and/or
serious damage to property.
the crime is, or likely to be serious and in progress
an offender has just been disturbed at the scene
an offender has been detained and poses, or is likely to pose, a risk to other people
When you call 999, or 112 in the UK, the operator will ask you which service you require. If you are in imminent danger and need help but can't talk, you can also make a silent call, alerting police to your location and situation. IPOC have a handy guide about how to do this here. In the UK both 112, and 999 will put you through to the same service.

There are also emergency services apps for people who are blind or deaf, using "Sign Live" or "Relay UK", you can read more about them with links to the services here.
Having GPS enabled on your phone, as discussed earlier may help the police identify your location, so it's important to keep this feature on. After dialling 999, the line will remain active for 45 seconds enabling operators to more accurately assess the danger you are in.
Final Words
In today's society, the need to emphasize personal safety measures is undeniably heightened due to increasing violence against trans women and girls. This guide serves as a poignant reminder of a collective failure to protect vulnerable minorities adequately. It underscores not only individual precautions but also calls for systemic change. It must be clear that trans women are victims of violence against them, never contributors to their victimization. I intend that this guide acknowledges these challenges, and reflects on actual cases without assigning blame. The necessity of this guidance is rooted in the harsh reality where societal dehumanisation has led to an environment conducive to violence against us.
While risk assessments, personal alarms, GPS tracking devices offer some protection, they are merely Band-Aids on a deeper wound. What’s truly needed are strong legal frameworks that impose harsh penalties for hate crimes, and the incitement of hate targeting trans women and girls. This systemic change can help deter such violence and provide justice to victims. Equally crucial beyond laws lies the cultural shift towards intolerance of dehumanising narratives about trans people. A society that respects diversity and fosters safety makes personal security measures like these less necessary over time.
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