If you feel unsafe during a session

Цю тему можна знайти в: Політика щодо насильства, агресії та безпеки
Last updated: October 9, 2026 at 10:11

Volunteers should remember four steps:

GET SAFE → GET HELP → REPORT → REVIEW

Step 1 - Prioritise immediate safety.

If you believe a situation is becoming unsafe:

You may end the session or activity immediately.

You do not need permission from the beneficiary, participant or Iguality to leave an unsafe situation.

Where possible:

  • create physical distance;
  • remain close to an accessible exit;
  • move towards a public or safer location;
  • keep other participants away from the immediate risk;
  • avoid becoming physically trapped;
  • keep your phone accessible;
  • leave the location when it is safe to do so.

If a beneficiary or participant tries to prevent you from leaving, this should be treated as a serious safety concern.

Step 2 - De-escalate only when it is safe.

If you feel safe enough to do so, simple de-escalation may help.

You may:

  • speak calmly and clearly;
  • avoid arguing about who is right;
  • acknowledge that the person is upset without accepting threatening behaviour;
  • use short and simple statements;
  • establish a clear boundary such as: “I cannot continue the session while this is happening”;
  • give the person physical space;
  • avoid unnecessary physical contact;
  • move towards ending the interaction.

De-escalation is not an obligation.

A volunteer should not remain in a dangerous situation simply because they believe they should be able to calm the person down.

Step 3 - Do not physically manage the situation.

Iguality volunteers are not expected to restrain, remove or physically control an aggressive person.

Do not engage in a physical fight. Do not attempt to take a weapon or dangerous object from another person.

Physical intervention should not be treated as a normal de-escalation technique. The priority is creating distance, getting others to safety and obtaining emergency assistance.

Step 4 - Call 112 when there is immediate danger.

Дзвони. 112 when there is an immediate or serious risk to someone's safety.
Приклади включають:

  • ongoing physical violence;
  • serious injury;
  • a weapon or credible threat involving a weapon;
  • a credible immediate threat of serious harm;
  • someone being physically prevented from leaving;
  • violence that cannot be safely contained by leaving the situation;
  • another situation in which urgent police, an ambulance, or emergency assistance is reasonably required.

Volunteers do not need prior permission from a Safeguarding Lead before calling emergency services.

If you are unsure whether an emergency response is necessary but genuinely believe someone may be in immediate danger, prioritise safety.

Group activities

During sports, community or group activities, the priority is protecting the wider group rather than attempting to personally control the aggressive participant.

Where possible:

  • move participants away from the situation;
  • ask another volunteer or responsible person to call for help;
  • stop the activity if necessary;
  • avoid surrounding or confronting the aggressive person;
  • wait for appropriate assistance.