Acting Supt tells women, girls: Beware of social media, trust instincts, don’t smile

Head of the Gender-Based Violence Unit acting Supt Claire Guy-Alleyne advised women and girls on steps they could take to keep themselves safe.

At a media conference at the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain on Tuesday, she told women and girls, “Don’t smile.”

“If a man approaches you and engages you in small talk and you are uncomfortable, let him know up front you don’t appreciate it, and you can walk away.

“Don’t empower that man by smiling. That’s a stranger. Walk away.”

She also said women should be aware of their surroundings and should not have their heads bent in their phones scrolling through social media.

In addition, she said women should get out of a taxi if they feel uncomfortable.

“ITrust your instincts and tell the driver you wish to get out.

“Before you board a taxi, take a photo of the car showing the registration number and quickly send to a friend and family member.”

Guy-Alleyne’s advice comes less than a week after Ashanti Riley, 18, was found dead last Friday. Riley was last seen on November 29 when she entered a PH taxi in San Juan.

Guy-Alleyne also implored women to avoid revealing too much on social media.

“Be aware that some social media apps, they have a GPS locating device where your family and friends can know your location.

“But think about it – the perpetrators of different heinous crimes are also looking on. So we are asking you to be conscious of that.”

She called on members of the community to speak out if they are aware of any criminal activity.

“Let us continue as guardians of our society. If you see something, say something.”