New research has revealed that nearly half of British women (47%) have avoided calling a friend or support line while walking home alone at night – even if they felt unsafe.
When asked why, participants in the survey said they worry about ‘disturbing loved ones’ (18%), ‘causing unnecessary worry’ (16%) or ‘being judged’ (12%).
The report, released today (31 March) was conducted by global ticket marketplace viagogo, which is joining forces with Uber and Strut Safe to help gig-goers get home safely and tackle the stigma around reaching out for help.
Strut Safe, a non-profit volunteer-run support line, says it has seen calls surge by 28% over the past year.
The majority come in after 11pm on weekends, a critical travel window for gig- goers.
A third of Brits (31%) are planning to attend live events this year but getting home afterwards is a primary barrier for music fans – with 27% of women saying they would go to more gigs solo if they felt safer travelling at night.
The research forms part of a new initiative called #SAVETHENUMBER, which is encouraging people to use Strut Safe’s support line.
So if you don’t fancy ringing a mate when you leave a festival, live music gig or other late-night event, you can chat to volunteers who will stay on the line until you get through your front door.
Twenty-six-year-old Grace has been volunteering for the non-profit for the past two years.
As a young woman, she knows just how important it is to have someone to lean on when you’re travelling late at night.
She said: “Too often, people dismiss their desire for a little support as an ‘overreaction’.
“Sadly, it’s a mindset we’ve been conditioned to accept.
“But the truth is, if that’s how you’re feeling, it’s valid – and completely understandable in today’s world.
“[When I used the support line myself], it made me feel so much better knowing that there was a voice on the end of the phone and talking about random things was comforting.
There are no expectations of what a call needs to be like.
“We talk to people about everything and anything; it depends on the caller and whatever they feel comfortable with.”
One in five British adults have hesitated in reaching out to loved ones for a chat while travelling home.
Of this category, a third (31%) are Gen Zers, aged between 18-24.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, women (41%) and LGBTQIA+ individuals (37%) worry most about getting home after attending a live event solo.
Other top concerns among all participants include using public transport alone at night (28%), waiting alone at transport stops (27%) and having no phone signal (22%).
Matt Drew, business development lead at viagogo, said: “At viagogo, our mission is to help more fans access live events.
“That’s why we’re going beyond the event itself – partnering with leading support line Strut Safe and Uber to help address some of the barriers fans experience so they can enjoy a great night out from start to finish.”
Calling a support line instead is becoming more normalised with 47% of participants saying they would use Strut Safe’s number for future nights out.
The service is available from 7pm until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays and 7pm until 1am on Sundays.
Michelle Kelly, director of strategy at Strut Safe, added: “The increase in calls to Strut Safe reflects ongoing safety concerns around travelling alone at night, especially among people of marginalised genders.
“Raising awareness of the resources available is crucial to help all people feel empowered to participate fully in public life.
“We welcome the news of more people embracing solo travel and independent experiences while recognising the complex ways in which experiences of marginalisation can pose barriers to these activities.”
As part of the #SAVETHENUMBER initiative, viagogo and Uber are also offering a £10 discount code (‘ruGtzslERHA’) on rides across the UK for anyone travelling to or from gigs.
The time-limited offer will run from 8pm on Friday 4 April and is valid between 8pm and 6am.
It will be applied to the total and can be redeemed once per user.
Mollie Moric, co-chair of women at Uber, added: “Safety is built into every step of the journey with Uber because everyone deserves to feel safe and supported when travelling.
“We’re proud to partner with Strut Safe and viagogo to help music fans get home safely and with peace of mind.”
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