Developing a personal safety plan is the key to staying safe on the job according to WREN guest speakers, Senior Constables Debbi Reeves and Holly James.

Speaking at a WREN luncheon, the police safety officers said it was important for real estate agents to develop strategies for dealing with confrontation.

Among their top tips were: understand your right to safety; keep your fear of violence in perspective; be committed to your personal safety; be confident and use body language to your advantage; be aware of your surroundings and, trust and act on your instincts.

“Many people have a fear of crime that is significantly disproportionate to the reality,” Sen Const Reeves said.

“By educating ourselves about the source of our fears we can gain an understanding of the real risks involved and develop strategies. This way, your preventative strategies are based on the actual risk, rather than restricting your lifestyle based on an exaggerated fear.”

Sen Const James said confidence was one of the most valuable tools a woman could use to protect herself.

“In the context of personal safety, having and displaying confidence plays a vital role in keeping you safe,” she said.

“Offenders target people they perceive to be vulnerable and who would offer them the least amount of resistance. As a result, the vast majority of threats can be deterred if you appear to be confident and self-assured.

“Confidence is also reflected in a person’s ability to maintain their safety.

“A confident person is more likely to identify and implement preventative safety strategies; to have faith in their own abilities and to take action if their personal safety is threatened. A person without confidence tends to lead a restricted lifestyle, diminishing their quality of life.”