At our consultations, many people told us that they are more and more concerned for women and youth who live in neighbourhoods where there is active street level sex work. Most people shared frustrations around instances where johns have followed women in cars or on foot thinking they were sex workers. Below we have listed a few suggestions on how to handle a situation where this may be the case.

• Be alert and walk with confidence. If someone is following you, do not look afraid.
• Keeping a distance between yourself and the perpetrator is important, walk fast and be ready to run.
• Make a sudden turn, cross the street.
• If there are others around turn to the person following you and in a loud voice say, “stop following me.” Experts say don’t yell, “help” or “fire,” just scream at the top of your lungs.
• Get a description of the person, vehicle, place etc...
• Take out your cell phone and call someone or go to nearest phone and call the police.
• Flag down a taxi to call police if there are no payphones around and if you do not have cell phone.
• Be aware of alternative well-lit routes and use them if they are safe.
• Go to a public place such as a store or a mall and remain there until you feel safe.

• Avoid isolated areas.
• Wear proper footwear in case you need to run.
• Carry a whistle to draw attention to yourself in case of harassment.
• When coming home on transit at night to a poorly lit neighborhood, have someone pick you up or at least let someone know when you will be home.
• Don’t walk with head phones on. Be aware of what’s happening around you at all times.
• Have your car or house keys readily accessible in case of an emergency.
• Try to speak with a sex worker if you or someone you know is being followed home regularly. In most cases, a sex worker will be willing to speak with the perpetrator to inform them of who is and who isn’t working.