Staying Safe: What to Do If You Believe You're Being Followed September 14, 2023

Ensuring personal safety is an absolute necessity in the complex choreography of existence. It is a sad reality that several unsettling situations, such as criminal activities and abductions, usually begin with the perpetrator following the victim.

That's why it's crucial to be aware of our surroundings and take proactive measures to stay safe, especially for solo travelers, who venture into unfamiliar areas. Recognizing signs of being followed and responding effectively is a valuable skill. This first step is important and highlights the importance of staying alert.

Scenarios that demand caution #

Imagine stepping into an ordinary day, only to sense an inexplicable anxiety- the feeling that someone might be tracking your movements.** It's this exact feeling that can be the precursor to more serious incidents.** Abduction cases often share a hauntingly similar beginning: someone lurking in the shadows, shadowing their target's every move.

You can also read: 5 Ways to Commit to Your Personal Safety in 2023

The scenarios in which this sense of unease can strike are varied and, unfortunately, they happen more often than we'd like. For example, imagine walking through a crowded marketplace in an unfamiliar city, hiking along a remote trail, or simply traversing a busy street.

These moments can be unpredictable, so it's important to be ready for anything. For solo travelers, especially women exploring new places, the risks are even greater. This unsettling reality underscores the need to cultivate a keen sense of awareness and readiness to act.

Seven Essential Steps to Ensure Your Safety #

1. Trust Your Instincts #

The first and most crucial step when you suspect you're being followed is to trust your instincts. Our intuition often picks up on subtle cues that our conscious mind might overlook.** If something doesn't feel right, don't dismiss it. Take it seriously, and stay alert.**

2. Stay Composed and Alert #

It's natural to feel a rush of fear or panic in such situations, but try to remain as calm as possible. Panic can cloud your judgment. Take deep breaths and focus on the next steps.

3. Inform Someone You Trust #

Here's where HelpYouFind.Me's feature shines. Our Telegram bot is gonna be your digital companion in reporting your route. Whether you're exploring a new city, embarking on a hiking adventure, or simply running errands, you are going to keep your trusted circle informed through your Hyf.m account.

You must be thinking about how that works. Well, it's pretty simple, through our Telegram bot, you can share your live location on your Hyf.m account which only those you trust the most can have access to and they can monitor your movements and be ready to assist if needed.

What makes the difference between sending your live location through other messaging platforms and HelpYouFind.Me is that in our platform you will be centralizing this data, which will not get lost around many messages. Also, this can be handy if an emergency arises, your loved ones will have a better idea of your last location.

You might want to read: Stay Safe While Hiking Solo: Important Safety Tips

4. Change your route #

If you're on foot or driving, change your route and head toward a more populated area. If you're walking, consider entering a store, restaurant, or any public place. If you're driving, head to the nearest police station or a well-lit, crowded area.

5. Avoid going home #

If you suspect you're being followed and you're close to your home, it's best not to lead the person to your doorstep. Instead, head to a public place or a police station and wait for the situation to resolve or for someone you trust to arrive.

6. Call for Help #

If you feel threatened or unsafe, don't hesitate to call the local emergency number. It's better to be safe than sorry. Inform the operator about your situation, your location, and the fact that you've shared your live location with your inner circle through your HelpYouFind.Me account.

7. Document the incident #

The My Data section within HelpYouFind.Me isn't just a repository for information; it' your digital guardian. In case you encounter harassment or suspect you're being followed, use this section to record incidents. This documented evidence could be instrumental in addressing the situation effectively.

Empowerment through Prevention and Tools #

The act of being followed casts a chilling aura, but you possess the power to respond effectively. Prevention practices and HelpYouFind.Me's innovative solutions synergize to form a powerful safety net.

As you navigate through life's intricate web, you're not alone. Share your live location through Footsteps, document incidents in the My Data section, and utilize the Telegram bot for route reporting. These tools seamlessly integrate into your safety plan, allowing you to reclaim your peace of mind.

Your safety is a priority, and by integrating these practices and utilizing HelpYouFind.Me, you're forging a path to a safer tomorrow.

Written by

Vanessa Martínez