Guidelines for Handling Pressure and Unwanted Approaches

If anyone approaches you in a public space you are under no obligation to engage with them. There is nothing wrong in saying that you are not interested. If you do want to listen to what they have to say do ask questions about who they are, where they’re from, what they want, etc. Be aware of being manipulated, either by guilt and shame, or by inappropriate flattery or overfriendliness. If you feel uncomfortable about what is being said, withdraw quickly. Be particularly cautious if they want to draw you away from friends and family, or if they try to isolate you in any way. Watch out for rapid recruiting techniques. Don’t sign-up to anything before you’ve had time to mull it over and discuss it with people you know and trust. And, if you are in any doubt, or if you feel you are being caught up is something that doesn’t seem right to you, seek out a University Chaplain, talk to the Advice Place, or seek out a University staff member who can point you in the direction of someone who can help.