Prevention

Prevention > Personal Safety

Personal Safety at home and abroad

The chances of you or a member of your family becoming a victim of violent crime are extremely low. Violent crimes by strangers in public places are rare everywhere and especially rare in the Cayman Islands.

However, you can make yourself even less likely to be the victim of crime – for example robbery or assault – by taking a few sensible precautions. Many are common sense and may be things that you already do. And although there are different sections for men and for women, this does not mean that personal safety is just for men or solely a woman’s issue. Men and woman can experience crime differently and it is important to remember this so you can protect yourself as well as possible. You should find things of interest in all sections.

Be prepared
Think about how you would react in different situations before you are in the situation.
Think about whether you would defend yourself (using reasonable force) risking further injury or whether you would give an attacker what he/she wants to avoid injury. There is nothing wrong with doing either, but you should think about the options – there will be no time to do so in an attack.

Some general points:

• You’re safest in well-lit, busy areas.
• Try to look and act confident – look like you know where you are going and walk tall.
• Spread valuables around your body for example, keep your phone in your bag, your house keys in your trouser pocket and your money in your jacket.
• If someone tries to take something from you, it may be better to let it go rather than risk a confrontation and injury.
• You can use reasonable force in self-defence. You are allowed to protect yourself with something you are carrying for example keys or a can of deodorant, but you may not carry a weapon.
• If you decide to defend yourself, be aware that you attacker may be stronger than you, or may take what you are using in self defence and use it against you. It is often better just to shout loudly and run away.
• Shout ‘fire’ rather then ‘help’ – it can get more results.
• If you use a wheelchair, keep your things beside you rather than at the back.
• Try not to be conspicuous about valuables you are carrying. Talking on your phone, carrying a lap top or showing your friend your new gold ring can give thieves the impression you are worth robbing.
• When out walking or jogging, you should not listen to a personal stereo through headphones, so you can stay more alert to your surroundings.

Theft and Robbery
Street robbery is very rare in the Cayman Islands. Young men are most likely to be the victims of robbery and are typically attacked by other young men.

Credit and debit cards

• Keep your cards separate from your cheque book and cash.
• If your cards are stolen, call your bank or credit card company immediately. Most banks put the number to call on your statement.
• Never keep your personal identification number (PIN) and credit or debit card together.

Cell Phones

• If your phone is stolen, report the number to your network and the police as soon as possible.
• Record your serial number and your phone number. Keep these in a safe place separate from your phone. You can get your serial number by looking behind the phone battery.
• Stay alert – your phone is a valuable item. When you are out be aware of your surroundings and don’t use your phone in crowded areas or where you might feel unsafe.

Transport
Here are some general tips on keeping yourself safe when catching a bus or taxi or when you’re in a car. These have some local application, but many of us use taxis and public transport more frequently when we’re traveling overseas.

Public Transport

• Plan your route.
• Learn the zoning areas for taxis and busses to avoid getting lost or being overcharged.
• Wait for the bus, shuttle or taxi in busy or well-lit areas where other people can see you.
• Sit near other people, near the driver if you are on a bus, or near the conductor if you are on a train. If you are in a taxi sit in the back seat and wear your seatbelt.
• Move to another location on a bus or train if someone makes you feel uncomfortable.

Driving

• Keep your car in good condition and try not to run out of gas.
• Keep doors locked when driving and keep bags, phones and other valuables out of sight.
• Try to park in well-lit or busy areas. If you park during the day, think about what the area will feel like after dark.
• If you break down on the road, wait inside your vehicle and use your cell phone to call for assistance if you can.
• Do not give lifts to or accept lifts from people you do not know, or do not know well.
• Do not drive if you have been drinking or taking drugs, and do not accept a lift from someone who has.
• You may feel more comfortable carrying a cell phone with you. Try to keep it out of sight and do not use it while driving.

Taxis

• If you are going to be out late, try to arrange a lift home or book a taxi. Check that the one that arrives is the one you ordered.
• If you can pre-book a taxi, make a note of the company you are using and the phone number and leave it with a friend.
• Always keep the number of a reliable firm handy.
• Always sit behind the driver in the back seat.
• If you feel uneasy, ask to be let out in a well-lit area where there are plenty of people.
• If in doubt, don’t get in the taxi.

Women
You have the right to live free of unwanted attention, harassment and abuse, whatever your race, background, religion or sexuality, and however you dress or act.
No one has the right to interfere with this, not strangers, colleagues, friends, acquaintances or family.

Minor sexual assault
This can happen in crowded places, at dances and social events. It includes being touched or rubbed against. Some women enjoy the attention. They can laugh and joke with the men. But other women find this behaviour threatening. If you feel confident to do so, a stern ‘take your hands off me’ may make the person stop. This will also alert other people to their behaviour. Try also to move to where there are other women.

Sexual assault and rape
The police are trained to work with women who have been sexually assaulted. You will be able to talk to a female police office and to a female doctor if you wish.
Report the crime immediately. Whether you get medical help or go straight to the police, try not to shower or change your clothes, since your body and clothes may contain evidence needed to prosecute your attacker. If you know someone who has been raped, be supportive, but not judgmental. The victim should make her own decisions.

Men
While women are most at risk from a man on his own, men are more at risk from groups of men. Most commonly, young men are attacked by groups of other young men.
You can reduce the risk by following the general guidance. For example, trying to stay in well-lit or busy areas. Another way to avoid violence is to stop a confrontational situation from turning into an aggressive one. Think about how you react when you get angry. If you feel yourself getting angry with someone, or if they get angry with you, try to move away. It takes a brave man to back down from a fight.

Your actions towards women
A lot of women’s fears of crime stem from men’s actions. You can help reduce this fear by:

• Not starting conversations with women on their own.
• Try not to walk to close behind – they may think you are following them.
• Respect women’s personal space.
• Don’t make comments about women who walk past.
• Remember no means no.

Women are not the only victims of sexual assault. Men are also sexually assaulted or experience violent relationships in their lives. If you, or a friend, are a victim of sexual assault seek help.

How can I get help?
You can get help for yourself or for a friend or loved one from various agencies on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac such as:

• The Cayman Counselling Centre on Grand Cayman           9498789
• The Cayman Counselling Centre on Cayman Brac            948-2354
• The RCIPS Family Support Unit                                           946-9185