This paper examines how young people living in a violent neighbourhood construct understandings about danger, violence and safety. Reporting findings from a qualitative study that investigated these issues with 8-14 year olds in a South African neighbourhood, the paper identifies how young people attempted to stay safe through reliance on adult protection, avoidance and escape, peer support and retaliation. Through close examination of three discussions between the young people, the paper considers tensions and troubles in their talk about violence, risk and safety, and discusses the complex ways in which they managed these tensions, the implications for their safety and vulnerability, and how these changed over time in gendered ways. Finally, the paper considers the implications for interventions that aim to keep young people safe. (Contains 1 note.)