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Single mum safety

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 7:52pm
20 replies655 views7 members subscribed
Laura2022

Posts: 28

2 helpful points

Location: Torrevieja

Joined: 9 Sep 2022

Hi

I'll be looking to spend a number of months in the year living in Torreta 3, with my little girl, unaccompanied by my husband.

I've never spent much time in a foreign country by myself or especially with my little one. There are very few street lights, no proper tarmac on my road and no English speakers around. I vaguely know one of the neighbours to say hello to but there is a huge language barrier. It isn't too far from a shop and bar, but wondering about safety. I don't speak Spanish. I'm very excited to spend time in Spain, but also have a couple of worries in mind. If I was alone in the UK and something happened, especially at night, I'd feel relatively safe in that I could get help or medical care at night like when my daughter was once sick for example. Also I have a car in the UK but not in Spain. Its very dark on my road. Also, I do worry with the fact all the windows have bars on incase of a fire. How do people get out if the only door is blocked by fire?

Just trying to get people's own experiences. I've read that a lot of people say it's a very safe area but it's hard to know, especially walking back from the bus in the pitch dark and waiting to see whats around the corner. Please no negative comments about my anxiety surrounding this. Thanks

tebo53

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 8:30pm

tebo53

Legendary helpful member

Posts: 4776

4960 helpful points

Location: Benidorm

Joined: 29 May 2018

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 8:30pm

Laura2022 wrote on Tue Sep 27, 2022 7:52pm:

Hi

I'll be looking to spend a number of months in the year living in Torreta 3, with my little girl, unaccompanied by my husband.

I've never spent much time in a foreign country by myself or especially with my little one. There are very few street lights, no proper tarmac on my road and no English speakers around. I vaguely know one of the neighbours to say hello to but there is a huge language barrier. It isn't too far from a shop and bar, but wondering about safety. I don't speak Spanish. I'm very excited to spend time in Spain, but also have a couple of worries in mind. If I was alone in the UK and something happened, especially at night, I'd feel relatively safe in that I could get help or medical care at night like when my daughter was once sick for example. Also I have a car in the UK but not in Spain. Its very dark on my road. Also, I do worry with the fact all the windows have bars on incase of a fire. How do people get out if the only door is blocked by fire?

Just trying to get people's own experiences. I've read that a lot of people say it's a very safe area but it's hard to know, especially walking back from the bus in the pitch dark and waiting to see whats around the corner. Please no negative comments about my anxiety surrounding this. Thanks

You say you want to spend a "number of months" in Spain. You obviously know about the 90 day rule which will put a limit on your visits. Only you can decide on your personal safety in the circumstances you describe. I would certainly carry some sort of high pitched alarm at all times especially when it's dark.

Steve 

Laura2022

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 9:11pm

Laura2022

Original Poster

Posts: 28

2 helpful points

Location: Torrevieja

Joined: 9 Sep 2022

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 9:11pm

tebo53 wrote on Tue Sep 27, 2022 8:30pm:

You say you want to spend a "number of months" in Spain. You obviously know about the 90 day rule which will put a limit on your visits. Only you can decide on your personal safety in the circumstances you describe. I would certainly carry some sort of high pitched alarm at all times especially w...

...hen it's dark.

Steve 

Yes, I'd be coming out twice a year for a couple of months.

Ultimately I will be the judge, but wanted to know if its like the UK where negative issues happen frequently among the general population eg being approached on your way home/followed/someone trying to enter your home/ burglaries etc.

It's hard to gauge this without having friends there or being around to watch the news.

Thanks 

tebo53

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 9:31pm

tebo53

Legendary helpful member

Posts: 4776

4960 helpful points

Location: Benidorm

Joined: 29 May 2018

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 9:31pm

Laura2022 wrote on Tue Sep 27, 2022 9:11pm:

Yes, I'd be coming out twice a year for a couple of months.

Ultimately I will be the judge, but wanted to know if its like the UK where negative issues happen frequently among the general population eg being approached on your way home/followed/someone trying to enter your home/ burglaries etc.

It's hard to gauge this without having friends there or being around to watch the news.

Thanks 

There are burglaries in Spain as in the UK. Squatters are on the increase who can be difficult to evict but personal attacks seem rare and mostly being within the domestic environment. 

My wife and I have lived in Spain for 8 years and have always felt safe day and night although we have always been aware of our surroundings especially at night. My wife is happy to go out at night and felt safe but kept to the busy areas.

We were followed a short distance by some hopeful pickpockets (2 girls) but we sussed them out after a few minutes. 

Hope all goes well for you. 

Steve 

REH19

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 11:25am

REH19

Helpful member

Posts: 202

125 helpful points

Location: Villamartin

Joined: 10 Jul 2018

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 11:25am

Sounds like a lovely opportunity - not sure how old your daughter is but have you thought of joining local Spanish language classes which would help you meet others and start to build a network, which may open up other social activities. I’m sure the local town hall (ayuntamiento) would have details of classes - they are often free

There are a number of You Tube channels I follow in English which are quite useful to keep up with what is going on - both locally and current affairs nationally :

Spain Speaks - national

Between the Lakes, Scottish Couple in Spain, Brits Living in Spain - ( all local to Torrevieja)

Enjoy

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Lefty

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 11:40am

Lefty

Helpful member

Posts: 175

132 helpful points

Location: Benidorm

Joined: 11 May 2022

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 11:40am

Could you not take a friend or relative along with you for company, I’m sure someone would love an extended break in Spain 😁

If you intend to spend time in Spain on a regular basis then learning the language is a must, I have only been learning for 18 months but I have picked up enough to get by, ask for assistance, order things, ask for directions, speak to bus drivers etc so it is a worth while investment of your time.

When you are out in the dark perhaps have someone to track your phone and make sure someone knows where you are going.

Can you join a club or group in your area so you can make friends and join in so you are not isolated

Annier999

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 12:44pm

Annier999

Helpful member

Posts: 254

237 helpful points

Location: La Mata

Joined: 28 Jul 2015

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 12:44pm

There’s an app called ALERTCOPS which you can use to report crimes. Also the app has a GUARDIAN feature which may be helpful. 

I live (mostly) alone in La Mata and feel perfectly safe in my home and out in the streets.

Regarding the risk of fire, install smoke alarms to give you an early warning system.

Plan your escape route in the event of a fire. It’s better to do this while you’re calm than in an actual emergency. 

Enquire about alternatives to the bars on windows. Maybe a burglar alarm with direct contact to the police. 

Find local mother and child groups to build up a support network. (See GUARDIAN above)

Go to local Spanish lessons to improve your language and to meet new friends. 

Use Facebook to find social groups. 

It’s a great opportunity with some challenges, which I’m sure you can overcome. 

Good luck 

elinspain

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 3:02pm

elinspain

Legendary helpful member

Posts: 3222

4099 helpful points

Location: La Mata

Joined: 4 May 2018

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 3:02pm

Hello

 I suggest you find yourself a translator    a.s.a.p.(Google translators for your area) & ask if you can contact then if/when you need them.

   As you dont speak Spanish and in an emergency, anything relating to police/fire  service/ sickness/accident etc it will be reassuring to have someone you can contact. They charge around €20 per hour & I take  my translator, everytime I go to the Salud for medical  appts.

 I  knew no one when I came from the UK & have lived here on my own for 20years . Dont take risks with your safety & property ...crime happens everywhere, just be  alert & proactive at all times and all will be fine.

Cheers

Elinspain

FionaS

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2022 9:28am

FionaS

Helpful member

Posts: 218

170 helpful points

Location: Orihuela Costa

Joined: 2 Jan 2018

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2022 9:28am

Have messaged you :)

Grannyrose

Posted: Sat Oct 1, 2022 10:43am

Grannyrose

Super helpful member

Posts: 1256

1569 helpful points

Location: Torrevieja

Joined: 5 Dec 2017

Posted: Sat Oct 1, 2022 10:43am

I’ve never been on my own while over in Spain but if I were, I don’t think I’d venture out at night at all. It’s very safe but I’d stay in if there weren’t any street lights. I notice that lots of people rise early and go out for a walk. You could do everything you want during daylight hours. Shop, walk, enjoy a lunch or coffee out. Until you find your feet, stay in at night with your doors locked. Get a television installed and WiFi so that you can be in contact with family at home. I like the idea of getting familiar with a good translator, an excellent suggestion. 
also, register with your local health centre when you arrive as youngsters have a tendency to get sick when least expected so you’ll need access to medical care. 

I read recently that the council had finally adopted the Torretta area so hopefully you’ll have street lights installed soon.

The winter weather in Spain is lovely during the day but be aware that once the sun goes down the heat vanishes. You must organise proper heating or you won’t survive. If there is aircon, it can be used to heat the rooms. The houses are single brick so loose heat very quickly. Bring an electric blanket and hot water bottle for your child   Good 13tog duvets too. Slippers and warm clothes. English tv can difficult so WiFi connection for Amazon Prime, Disney plus or Netflix will be your salvation. There’s more to consider than worrying about walking about at nighttime. 
Enjoy your stay and good luck. 

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