What is Safety Assist?
A Safety Assist location is a place where you can go for help if you feel unsafe, frightened or unsure.
The people in a Safety Assist place have had special police and community checks so you know that they are safe people who can be trusted to help you.
Tell everyone at home that any body, any age can go to a Safety Assist at any time of the day or night to get help.
A Safety Assist location can be:
A house
A shop
A business premise
A shopping centre
A hospital
A fire station
A public transport bus
A surf life saving patrol
Any other place that displays the Safety Assist sign
When might I need to use a Safety Assist location?
You might be away from home and going to the shops, or to school, or playing at the playground without an adult.
Go to a Safety Assist place whenever you need help.
You could be:
Frightened by someone
Feeling unsafe
hurt
lost
being bullied
feeling scared
frightened by animals
approached by a stranger who makes you feel unsafe
being watched or followed
in need of help for any other reason.
When you are out walking, riding or playing, Safety Assist is there to help keep you safe. Look for the Safety Assist locations in your community.
How do I find a Safety Assist place?
Look for the Safety Assist sign. The sign could be:
On a letterbox
Near the front of a house
On a shop or business
On a bus
At a Surf Life Saving patrol base
Many areas have street signs pointing towards the nearest Safety Assist place. The street number of the Safety Assist location might also be on this sign.
How do I use Safety Assist?
At a house: Go to the front door and knock loudly or ring the doorbell.
A bus: Wave down a Safety Assist bus anywhere along its route.
Other: Go to the front counter or look for one of the people working at the Safety Assist place.
Tell the person what your problem is and why you feel unsafe. The Safety Assist person will get help for you.
Feeling unsure?
Be wary of strangers. If a situation doesn’t feel right, ask yourself these three questions:
Do I feel safe with this person?
Do my parents know where I am?
Can I get help if I need it?
If you answer NO to any one of these questions, DON'T GO. Remember - One no, don’t go. You have the right to be safe. Always.
How can I make my community safer?
Talk to your parents or carers about applying for your house to become a Safety Assist place.
Talk to your teacher about having Safety Ambassadors at your school.
Check out the Safer Communities home page www.safercommunities.asn.au on the Internet for lots of information about how to stay safe.
