Security is the state of being free from danger. Security can also be defined as freedom from, or resilience against potential harm caused by others. Security means safety as well as the measures taken to be safe or protected.

Security also refers to the protection of individuals, organizations, and assets against external threats and criminal activities that can be directed to such entities hence rendering them inactive. It is important to note that security is highly focused on the deliberate actions that are geared towards inflicting harm to an individual, organization, or even assets.

Safety on the other hand can be defined as the condition of being protected from danger, risk or injury. It can also be described as the condition of being protected from harm or other non-desirable outcomes. It isthe condition of being protected from the aspects that are likely to cause harm. In addition, the term, safety can be used to refer to the state at which one has the control of the risk causing aspects hence protecting him or herself against risk that is fully unintended.

SAFETY AND SECURITY CHALLENGES OF KEY POPULTIONS

Security issues of key populations and those that provide services for theminclude;

  1.  Self stigma
  2.  Discriminatory laws and policies
  3.  Low self esteem
  4.  Arbitrary arrests/raids
  5.  Lack of trust in judicial process
  6.  Mob Actions/jungle justice
  7.  Stigma by association

SAFFTY AND SECURITY GUIDELINES FOR OUTREACH WORKERS

This refers to safety in the working environment and encompasses all factors that impact the safety, health and well-being of outreach workers. The following safety procedures should be adopted;

  1. Outreach workers should work in pairs, so that there is someone to help if safety and security problems arise.
  2. They shouldidentify themselves as an outreach worker, such as by carrying an ID card that has the name and   number of the organization.
  3. They shouldconduct advocacy to relevant community based stakeholders
  4.  Ensure each outreach worker has a phone, that is charged and has airtime, and they know what number to call in an emergency.
  5.  Provide safety and security training to outreach workers and offer a support system in the organization.
  6.  Have regular staff or individual meetings for outreach workers to discuss safety and security challenges.
  7.  Organize activities to promote outreach workers wellbeing and to avoid burnout.