The Internet is full of articles about looking after your safety during a protest so we won’t waste your time with the classics rehashed, instead we’re offering advice you might wish to follow to continue looking after yourself when the demonstration is done, as you can be just as vulnerable (If not more so) then.
1) Don’t travel alone.
After the excitement, stress, exhileration, or let down of the demonstration you might be feeling tired or wired; this can leave you unaware, it’s best to travel in small groups to your next location(s). Although rare there’s a chance you might be followed, so consider your next movements carefully.
2) Make sure you have support.
It’s great to be able to rely on friends or family but be aware that they are not professionals and might not be able to provide you with the help you need, and might get it wrong in their attempts to help. It can also be extremely draining for them in a way that crosses boundaries or adds too much strain, so be careful about your choice of support.
3) Have food and drink on hand.
After adrenaline comes the crash, make sure you have something on you to nibble at and stay hydrated to keep your body and mind in working order.
4) Self care.
Put aside time to recover, in a way that is healthy for you!
5) Social media safety.
Sometimes the fasc attempt to identify rally participants and stalk them online, make sure your socials have excellent security, don’t give out needless information, and check out new friend requests before accepting.
6) Utilise the police if you have to.
While the police often leave us disappointed and let down, you have to seek your own justice in the world and the legal route can be an avenue for that. Harassment and violence is a serious issue, and sometimes the legal route can be successful. Sometimes it just helps to have a paper trail for escalation which can help future prosecutions.
7) The after party.
After a protest people often go to a pub and drink, be aware of your surroundings and if you’re being watched or followed because you might be caught vulnerable. You should also be cautious of the venue, don’t go to a place where the clientele are likely to disagree with you or if the place has a reputation for violence. Never go to a whether spoons.
8) Be wary of the police.
Even when you’re seeking help from them, don’t entirely trust them. If they see a case to charge you or someone on your side with something they will.
9) Keep an eye out for pictures of you online.
The fasc often livestream the events they attend and people on both sides take pictures, if you see a photo of yourself up that you want taken down you can either message/comment with a request if you know the person, or report the post if it’s a stranger and you’d rather keep your identity private.
10) Stay Connected
Stay in touch with other members of your community to stay updated and foster strong bonds, community co-operation is the first line of defense when trouble starts. We are here for each other.
Anything to add? Let us know!
