Lesson 32 · Prevention
Journey home and a possible follower
Test the observation. Do not lead anyone home. Reach a safer place.
One shared turn does not prove that someone is following you. If a person repeatedly matches several changes of direction or street side, test the concern without confrontation and plan a route towards a busy, well-lit and supervised location.
Decision compass
Decide safely
Four questions lead from observation to a clear, safer action.
What needs to be clarified now?
What must I notice first?
- Start in a familiar, low-risk setting and identify a clear exit or support option.
- Separate observable behaviour from assumptions about a person.
Remember: Observe → assess → choose a safer option → act.
Recognise the situation and act early
The four illustrations connect perception, positioning and a safer exit.
Check behaviour
Do not stare continuously. Use reflections, shop windows and brief all-round checks. The relevant question is whether the person follows several independent changes.
Change direction safely
Cross at a clear location or turn towards an open shop, hotel, petrol station or group of people. Do not choose a dark shortcut or dead end.
Establish contact
Call someone you trust, share your location and destination, and ask staff at the safe place for concrete assistance. In Germany, call 110 if the threat is immediate; elsewhere use the local police emergency number.
Do not approach home
Do not go to your front door, garage or parked vehicle while following remains plausible. Stay in the supervised area and wait for help or safe accompaniment.
Sound decisions
- Test observable behaviour rather than relying on a feeling alone
- Move towards a location that is actually open
- Share location and a factual description
- Keep your home address private
Avoid
- Confronting the suspected follower
- Running home and searching for keys at the door
- Taking a shortcut through a park, underpass or dead end
- Focusing exclusively on recording video
Knowledge check
Choose the option that preserves safety
After two changes of direction, the same person continues to follow. Your home is two minutes away and an open hotel is opposite. What is sensible?
- AGo quickly to your home.
- BEnter the hotel, approach staff, share your location and call the police if the danger is concrete.
- CTurn into a dark side street.
- DStop and confront the person.
Show answer
B. The supervised location provides public visibility, witnesses and help without disclosing your address or forcing a confrontation.
When someone may be following, the safer route leads to people and help—not to your own front door.