Monday, January 7, 2013

Better safe than sorry!



In my previous post I talked about how fear psychosis was getting the better of women around me and how I have resolved not to let fear get into my already frazzled nerves. So I thought I’d share some views on how to keep you safe rather than fearful. 

1. Look around you as you take a walk in the park, on the streets, anywhere for that matter. 8/10 people are busy talking on their mobiles or listening to songs, with their ears and hence their minds completely sealed out from their surroundings.
 
Always be aware of your surroundings. 

This applies whether you are traveling alone or in groups. Don’t just focus inwardly on your thoughts, or keep your self busy with your phone if you are alone. Even if your friends are together, don’t get lost amidst the chatter. 

If you are used to listening to your walkman while outside, drop this habit, especially in isolated areas. With your walkman on, you cannot hear the approach of a possible attacker.

Keep one eye out for your environment, looking out for suspicious characters, possible danger, etc.

Also, don’t assume that because your area has been “safe” thus far, that it will continue to be so.  If you see people loitering on the streets near your house, call the police on a non emergency number and report it.

2. Remember that criminals look out for easy targets. Slouched walk or panicky walk makes you look like an easy victim. 

       Walk with a straight posture and your arms swinging by your sides. 

Look up and look confident. Look an attacker in the eye. It usually scares the attacker now that you've seen their faces and could identify them in a line- up; you lose appeal as a target. Carry something like an umbrella or anything you can use as a weapon.

3. Change routes/mode of travel

We often stick to the same routes and mode of travel everyday seldom bothering to change it. By changing your route/ mode of travel often you can avoid being attacked or harassed from those who know your schedule, method and route of travel. 

Avoid taking the road less traveled, even if it means you take a little longer. Avoid unfamiliar areas, or unsafe areas. 

If you are riding by bus or train, do not sit on the window seat as you may be "blocked in" by a potential assailant. Always select the seat next to the aisle so that you can quickly leave if necessary.

If you are taking public transportation alone after peak hours, sit as close to the driver as possible and/or choose the section of the bus/train that is most crowded. Try to get a seat near the exit as well. Your safety is more important.

4. Tell others about your whereabouts

Parents, spouses or friends should know where you are going and when you will be back, so that your absence will be noticed.

5. Trust your instincts.

The ‘gut’ feeling is more often right than wrong. 

If you are walking somewhere and feel strange or scared, don’t ignore this feeling. Take extra precautions by walking a little faster to get to a more populated or well-lit area or change the route you’ve been driving on.
If you think you are being followed, change your route and activity.

You can cross the street, change directions, or enter a populated building or store. Do whatever is necessary to avoid being alone with the person who is following you. Inform a police officer or security official about the follower.

Mentally note houses at intervals on each route you take that can be used as "safe houses" if you are attacked, such as shops or houses that you know to be occupied by a friend or acquaintance.

Attract attention if you are in a dangerous situation.

Get others to pay attention to what's happening to you if you are under attack or being harassed. You can alert others by honking a car horn or loudly describing what is happening. Shout “fire” instead of “help” to attract attention. Attackers are known to leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back

Danger can lurk anywhere, in elevators, staircases, parking lots, public transport, college campuses, on streets and even closer home. You cannot control the mind of the attacker, but you can keep yourself safe by being alert and confident. Whether or not they are punished is beyond our realm, but being safe is within.

Better to be safe than sorry!

22 comments:

  1. again a few good points.. and i have been nodding to all of them, YES knowing where you are and knowing the surroundings is a priority ALWAYS ..
    Bikram's

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    Replies
    1. exactly....so many things can be prevented just by being aware...

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    2. yes.. and I know it is such a simple thing, You know when I started my job, the trainers always instilled into us , LOOK AT THE ROAD, know the road name, Make sure you know where you are , or wher you are heading .. It felt funny but slowly it dawned , it is the MOST important thing.. If I am in trouble how will they know where i am .. SO very very important ..

      Bikram's

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    3. the sad thing is today's youngsters feel it is a curtailing of their freedom to keep their parents informed.. i always had the freedom to go where i wanted, but mom always wanted to be informed, and she explained it well, why the need to keep her in the loop.

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  2. Wow... All this is really helpful

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  3. Helpful and useful tips, thanks LP.

    But it's so sad that women in India have to be so cautious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. very sad that we cannot just be who and what we are....but when u cannot change others better to be aware ourselves...

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  4. Great tips, princess!Gradually we'll come to terms- rather shamefacedly... But, we shall never forgive a man who dishonors a woman!

    Cheer up... :))))

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    Replies
    1. ya i guess i have been obsessing too much, but words cannot really convey how terrible the aftermath has been, esp on the minds of women around me..

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  5. Agreed to every point in this..better safe.

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  6. Replies
    1. sorry state of affairs....but whats the alternative?

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  7. Must follow tips!
    Thanks for sharing lil princess!

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  8. Needful advice but a sorry state of affairs that such advice is needed! What have we come to that the women in this country need to adopt a state of siege

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  9. would definitely come handy ! wonderful post :)

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    Replies
    1. I hope the time comes when we don't have to bother about keeping ourselves safe...glad u liked it!

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  10. Like Bikram, I too was nodding at all this. So true...

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At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person..deep gratitude for those who have lighted the flame within me!! your comments will be appreciated..

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