Keeping safe in the City
The chances of being a victim of crime or having an accident when out and about are very small. However, being cautious could prevent unnecessary damages.
Here are some simple and effective things we can all do to help reduce the chances of being a victim of crime and provide peace of mind. Also, if you are a victim of a violent crime, abuse, stalking or bullying, we have included a list of charities that can offer support.
To see services listed in other languages, (para ver los servicios enumerados en otros idiomas, visite el sitio web de FIS, pour voir les services répertoriés dans d'autres langues, visitez le site Web FIS, অন্যান্য ভাষায় তালিকাভুক্ত পরিষেবাগুলি দেখতে, এফওয়াই ওয়েবসাইটটি দেখুন।) visit the FIS website.
Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) in the City tends to be linked to noise, licensed premises, drunk or rowdy behaviour, rough sleeping, begging and inconsiderate road use.
If you've been a victim or witness of ASB you should contact the City of London Police on 101 or email.
You can also report a crime anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers
If you are being disturbed by noise happening now or if you would like help or advice call 020 7606 3030 for the environmental health team.
The impact of ASB can be significant. You can talk to Victim Support on 0808 168 9111
If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough contact StreetLink 0300 500 0914
Domestic abuse is about the misuse of power and control by one person on another, within the context of an intimate or family relationship.
This abuse can be of many different varieties including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial. This can also include instances of pushing, hitting, punching or stalking someone.
Anyone can experience domestic abuse and it can happen in all kinds of relationships.
Support services
National Centre for Domestic Violence 0800 970 2070
National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 200 0247
The Men's Advice Line 0808 801 0327
Galop the LGBT anti-violence and abuse charity 020 7704 2040
A forced marriage is whereby one or both people do not – or in cases of people with learning difficulties, cannot consent to the marriage; and afterwards pressure or abuse is used.
Honour based violence or crime can be best described as a collection of practices, which are used to control behaviour within families and/or other social groups to protect any perceived cultural and religious beliefs and/or honour.
Violence against women and men, is a violation of one's human rights and is therefore recognised as forms of domestic and/or sexual violence.
Support services
Barnardos 020 8550 8822
Childline 0800 1111
The Hide Out 01173 178 750
The Men's Advice Line 0808 801 0327
Respect 0808 802 4040
Latin American Women's Rights Service (LAWRS) 020 7336 0888
Iranian and Kurdish Women's Rights Organisation (IKWRO) 020 7920 6460
IMECE Women's Centre 020 7354 1359
Everyone has the right to live safely and without fear.
The term 'hate crime' can be used to describe a range of criminal behaviour where the perpetrator is motivated by hostility or demonstrates hostility towards the victim's disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
These aspects of a person's identity are known as 'protected characteristics'. A hate crime can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, assault and bullying, as well as damage to property. The perpetrator can also be a friend, carer or acquaintance who exploits their relationship with the victim for financial gain or some other criminal purpose.
Hate and harassment incidents can take many different forms, including verbal abuse, bullying or intimidation, physical attacks, threats, graffiti, arson or malicious online communication.
Support services
If you are a victim of a violent crime, abuse, stalking or bullying, here are a list of charities that can offer support or guidance on personal safety.
Report a crime on the City of London Police website
Further guidance for victim and witness support
For all non-emergencies call 101
For emergencies call 999
Visit victim support or call 0808 16 89 111
Rape is unlawful sexual intercourse or any other sexual penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person, with or without force, by a sex organ, other body part, or foreign object, without the consent of the victim.
Sexual assault or abuse is any type of sexual activity that a person does not agree to including but not exclusive to attempted rape, touching someone's body without their permission, incest or sexual contact with a child.
Victim Support provides a specialist service within the City of London for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and hate crime. This service is delivered by the Vulnerable Victim Coordinator, who provides support to individuals who live and work within the City of London.
The service offers confidential, free and non-judgmental emotional and practical support. The Vulnerable Victim Coordinator provides a flexible, responsive service lead by the needs of the client.
For support from this service contact the Vulnerable Victim Coordinator on 020 7601 2968 or 07944 634 946 or email the Community Safety Team.
Stalking is a chain of events and actions that puts another person in fear. Stalkers will use multiple and differing methods to harass their victims. These behaviours can include being followed, receiving malicious communications (calls, texts, emails, letters) and physical or sexual abuse. This type of behaviour is very frightening and causes a lot of fear and anxiety for the victim.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has launched a new online platform for victims of stalking to access support. The tool details services available across London by borough. Over the course of 2020 the tool will be developed to incorporate more detail on local services across the UK. The tool can be completed by victims of stalking, their friends and family, to be directed to specialist advice as well as services and support mechanisms in their area.
National stalking advocacy organisations
Local support
City of London Vulnerable Victims Advocate:
07944 634 946 or