Are you a woman travelling by public transport, walking back home or to a nearby place, returning home from college/work late or wade through crowds, then this is a must read for you.
Am sure every female would have come across men passing comments, coming too close for comfort, following us or brushing against us even when there's ample space for two people.
And all this even when you are clad in something called a Salwar-Kameez and look like a female clone of Will Ferrell. Some people would jump into conclusions thinking that these things happened only to Jeans-T shirt clad women. The above line was for them.
The mistake we women do is that we keep quiet, thinking speaking out loud will draw more trouble.
Contrary to popular belief, when we keep quiet, this only emboldens the perpetrator who thinks he got away with it and will try it again.
So what can you do when facing such situations? Read on:
* Some guy standing too close while travelling? Tell him to back off in a loud and clear voice. A guilty man never has the courage to retaliate in public.
* Scream aloud if you have to. Make a fuss,draw a crowd. Always know that you are never alone and help will be given only if you ask for it.
* Chances are that either you draw a crowd, who thrash him and hand him over to the police or you endure in silence. It is your choice.
* When walking alone, be aware of your surroundings. Your I-pod will only distract you. Talking on a phone does not scare away anyone. It keeps away your fears but will not help you unless that's a call to the police or someone who can arrive on time.
* When you walk faster or run, you give the knowledge to the assailant that you are scared. This makes him bold. Take a deep breath and scream a call for help.Or else walk into any residential area or apartments and ring someone for help.
* Always walk in well lit and crowded areas. The more you are visible, the lesser chances of encountering hooligans.
* When walking through crowded places, hold your bag in front of you and make eye contact with anyone trying to act funny.
* Self defense only helps as long as you are keen on using it. So if you're a black belt but a timid miss ... GET OVER IT!
* Some of us have the habit of walking with our head bowed down. Unfortunately, this does not keep the sex-starved men in this country, at bay. In fact, this makes a woman look weak and very gullible.
* Research tells that if a woman walks with normal strides ,shows confidence and looks a man in his eye, he'd think twice before trying anything.
* Remember Pepper sprays and deodorants are weapons that can be used by the assailant on you too. Carry sturdy sharp objects.(I usually carry a compass. Maybe I should upgrade?)
* If you have to throw a punch, hit the nose and/or the Adam's Apple.Just make sure, he is caught unawares and deliver the hit as powerful as possible.
* There's always safety in numbers. Call the male members of your family or trusted male friends if you are too scared.
* Trust your instincts.
Get over your shock and learn to scream like a mad woman. Use words calling for help when you scream,instead of the ones we see in horror movies. When you are in shock it's highly unlikely that you'd be able to scream like that immediately.Using words fuels your anger and anger is good in these situations.
Help another woman if she is too shocked to ask for help. Be brave and confident.That makes you scary to others.
And woman, you have a right to walk with your head held high.
All women must take care and gentlemen must pass this on to their loved ones.
