In the chaos of the metropolitan madness, forget practising karate chops and opt for more practical measures to keep safe. Leave the pepper spray behind and use these five self-defense tips to handle eve-teasers.
Keep alert
It is imperative to always be aware of your surroundings when you are travelling alone, be it day or night. Staying plugged into iPods and Mp3 players or on hands-free devices can spell doom for girls in the city. Being oblivious to your surroundings can mean walking into danger without even being aware. If you're on the phone, always keep an eye out on the road for suspicious characters. Keep the police or close family and friends on speed dial to make it easier to call for help in such situations.
Raise the alarm
Most times ignoring ruffian men who whistle at you and pass comments may be the best course of action. But, if the harassment persists, you cannot be a sitting duck. Lash out at the harasser and create a scene; let passers-by come to your rescue. Threaten to call the cops and keep your calm till help arrives. It is important to get the support of someone who can take over and handle the situation calmly. Make sure you are not in a vulnerable spot where you become an easy target for assault.
Body language
If you are being leered at, never get agitated as it betrays your nervousness and fear. Confidence is the key to throwing potential eve-teasers off your track. Walk purposefully and never let your observation skills slip. You have to train your mind to be calm even if you know you have to put up a fight. Look the eve teaser in the eye; this should unsettle him.
Use public transport
Aside from avoiding poorly lit streets and isolated alleys, an easier way to stay safe from hooliganism is to use public transport. Shelter yourself in the throngs of people on trains and buses. With the share-a-cab option, you can not only save money, but keep safe travelling where women are in the majority. Create a carpool from home to work or college, if public transport is not your cup of tea. Do not take anything for granted when it comes to rickshawwallas and cab drivers. Make it a habit to take down the license number of the vehicle you are travelling in, in case you need to make a police complaint.
Dress appropriately
If you are going to spend the day in crowded areas, save the skimpy clothes. True, women in salwar kameezes get harassed as well, but there's no need to call attention to yourself. Carrying a shawl isn't really a solution; rather make sure you have a guy friend with you at all times and a phone handy to call for help.
Eve teasing is one thing we will just not put up with. Is there something else that drives you mad, but you feel you can't do anything about? Well, it's time to make 'Nahi Chalega' your motto! As a modern woman of today, you need to adopt a stronger stance. Here's the perfect platform to voice your opinion on things you refuse to tolerate! Big or small, funny or serious, just get it off your chest.
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