Toilets are everyday spaces that can also become vulnerable zones – especially when you’re alone, distracted, or in a rush.

This interactive module is designed to help you move through public, mixed-sex, and single-sex toilets with more confidence, awareness, and practical safety strategies.

Not all toilets are designed the same. The layout affects how safe – or exposed – you may feel.

• Single-sex toilets: Separate entrances, usually more familiar but can still be isolated.
• Mixed / gender-neutral: Shared sink areas, corridors, and sometimes shared entrances.
• Single cubicle “unisex” toilets: One locked room – safer when well-lit and near busy areas.

Most risks can be spotted before you even step inside.

• Notice who is around the entrance – anyone loitering, watching, or pacing?
• Check lighting levels on the path to the toilets and directly outside.
• Scan for staff presence, CCTV, or nearby shops and security points.
• If you feel uneasy, consider waiting, asking someone to walk with you, or using a different facility.

Take note if you see:

• Very poor or flickering lighting around the entrance.
• No staff or people nearby for long stretches of time.
• Someone standing close to the door with no clear reason.
• Signs of vandalism, damage, or previous antisocial behaviour.
• Toilets down a long, isolated corridor with no clear exit options.

• Have your phone and keys where you can reach them easily.
• Use your phone’s torch if the corridor or entrance is dim.
• Notice where the exit is and whether the door can be propped open safely if needed.
• If unsure, tell a friend or family member where you are going (“Just nipping to the toilets near the food court”).

• Pick a cubicle closer to the exit if possible, not the most isolated one at the far end.
• Avoid cubicles with signs of damage, broken locks, or strange marks around the door gaps.
• Listen – is there unusually loud or completely silent behaviour that feels “off”?
• If someone seems to be lingering right next to your cubicle without reason, trust that feeling.

Sadly, some offenders try to film or spy on people in toilets.

• Look for small holes, lenses, or phones positioned near gaps, bins, or ceiling tiles.
• Check the back of hooks, air vents, or unusual fixtures at eye-height or low angles.
• If you spot something suspicious, leave the cubicle and report it immediately to staff or security.

Shared spaces can feel safer for some and less safe for others – context matters.

• Shared sink areas can be positive – more eyes, more witnesses.
• Long corridors with many closed doors but no central staff can feel isolating.
• Trust your feelings – it’s okay to step out, choose a different toilet, or ask staff for support.

• Young children should be accompanied inside where possible.
• For older kids/teens, wait just outside the door or in clear view of the entrance.
• Teach them simple rules: don’t talk to strangers inside, leave if they feel weird, shout for a parent or staff member if scared.
• Practise a phrase: “I don’t feel safe, can you wait by the door for me?” so they know it’s okay to ask.

• Leave the toilet area calmly but immediately – you don’t owe anyone an explanation.
• Walk towards staff, friends, or a busier public space.
• Use strong body language and purposeful walking – head up, moving with intent.
• If safe, say loudly: “I don’t like this – I’m leaving now” to draw attention.

• Say strongly: “Occupied!” – sometimes it’s innocent.
• If they keep rattling, pushing, or trying to look through gaps – raise your voice.
• Use clear commands: “Stop. Move away from the door now.”
• Call a friend on speaker, or call out: “Security? Someone is trying to get in my cubicle!”

Safety includes looking out for others when you can do so safely.

• If you hear distress, shouting, or someone saying “stop” – don’t ignore it.
• Quickly move to a safer spot (doorway or outside) and get staff or security.
• Call 999 if you believe someone is in immediate danger.

• “Accidental” entry into the wrong toilet to test reactions.
• Waiting just outside the toilet door to follow someone back out.
• Using alcohol or drugs as excuses for inappropriate behaviour.
• Pretending to be concerned or helpful while invading space.

• Be cautious about live-streaming or video calls inside or near toilets.
• If you suspect someone has filmed or photographed you, leave the area and report it.
• Try to note what they look like, what they’re wearing, and where they go.

• Get to a safe, calm place and breathe – your body will likely be in “alert mode”.
• Talk to someone you trust, or use a helpline for emotional support.
• If a crime may have occurred, consider reporting it as soon as you feel able.
• Remember: feeling shaken is normal – it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong.

You leave a mixed toilet and two people are leaning near the only doorway. As you walk towards them, they don’t move, and one stares at you.

• Slow slightly and scan for another exit, staff, or a side route.
• Make eye contact briefly and say: “Excuse me, I need to get by.”
• If they don’t move or they close the gap, raise your voice: “Please move. Now.”
• Turn and walk back into a busier area, staff area, or straight to security rather than squeezing past.

In a busy venue toilet, you notice what looks like a phone lens between the wall and bin, angled towards the cubicles.

• Leave the cubicle as soon as it’s safe to do so and avoid touching the device if possible.
• Go straight to staff, security, or management and explain exactly what you saw.
• If you feel comfortable, ask them to secure the area and call the police.
• Consider writing down the time, location, and any people you saw nearby to help with evidence.

• I scan the approach, lighting, and who is nearby.
• I notice exits and avoid very isolated toilets when I have options.
• I choose cubicles where I feel I can leave quickly if needed.
• I trust my instincts and leave if something feels wrong.
• I know it’s okay to use my voice, seek help, and support others.