Safety in the Home

Obscene Calls

If you receive an obscene or threatening telephone call, do not indicate to the caller that you are frightened or upset, for example, by slamming the phone down or engaging in a panicked conversation. This is the reaction that the caller is seeking to achieve, so avoid giving them this satisfaction as they may continue to call. In order to feel safe, it is perfectly acceptable to be rude and/or not answer questions or engage in a conversation.

Other strategies that you may consider include:

• Placing the telephone receiver down gently without verbally responding to the caller;

• Push any three digits (of a push button phone) and advise the caller that the call is being traced, e.g. "Telstra, proceed with the trace." Note: This strategy is effective if you have received repeated nuisance calls;

• Have a radio beside the telephone tuned into classical music or a religious program and let them listen to that for a while;

• Consider using an answering machine not only to screen all calls, but also to record any message if the call is obscene or threatening; and/or

• Consider having a silent number installed.

Making nuisance calls is a criminal offence. If you receive a number of these calls, or a call that is particularly disturbing, report the incident(s) to your local police and telephone company. Keeping a record of the date, time and content of each call, as well as providing tapes of any recorded messages/conversations, will assist the authorities to identify the caller.

If you make a complaint to a telephone company in relation to any of these matters and the company fails to take action, you may contact the Telecommunications Ombudsman on telephone: 1800 062 058 (free call).

Internet safety

The internet provides an invaluable means of communication and access to a variety of information. However, it can also represent a potential threat to users.

Electronic mail (e-mail for short) is a common means of exchanging information between people via the Internet. Remember when using the Internet (and especially e-mail) you cannot assume anything about a sender’s location, age, sex, frame of mind, interests, personality, etc. There is nothing to prevent users from making up stories and re-inventing themselves as anything they want to be. This means that you need to think very carefully about the type and amount of information you provide.

A number of strategies are suggested to ensure your safety is maintained when surfing the internet and using email:

• avoid providing other users with your personal particulars including: your full name, address, age, school/university/ workplace and even your interests and hobbies. This information can assist another user in locating you, e.g. by stating that you are a member of a particular sporting team, it is possible to ascertain when, where and what time the team is playing and subsequently wait for your attendance at that location.

• Do not presume that the other person is who or what they say they are. This strategy is particularly important when using ‘chat rooms'. There is nothing to prevent a forty year old person from logging into a teenagers’ Chat room and pretending to be a teenager.

• If you arrange to meet with someone that you have ‘met’ via the Internet:
• meet in a well-populated public place, for example a coffee shop.
• do no arrange to have them pick you up at your house or for you to pick them up from their house.
• consider taking a friend along with you for safety and support
• tell someone responsible where you are going and what time you think you will be returning.
• consider carrying a mobile phone to obtain assistance or provide an excuse for a quick getaway.

Act responsibly

While it is easy to lose your inhibitions and become adventurous when ‘Chatting’ with strangers on the Internet, be aware that the person(s) you are chatting with may be taking your conversations seriously. While your Internet associate can not locate you, the emotions that have been aroused by your conversations could cause detriment to that person or to someone else who may be more accessible.

If you have children who are able to access the Internet, it is vital that they be made aware of these practical safety strategies. It is also suggested you monitor their use, by checking the computer history or making random checks while it is being used.