New Delhi, Wednesday, March 21, 2012
14 my city
10 THINGS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SAFETY 6
BE AWARE
sexual harassment begins with being aware and FBe ighting alert, and not just being ready to punch at the first instance. aware of yourself, your actions, surroundings, and your
our hands are your most powerful tool when it comes to Y warding off danger. So, it’s as important to keep your hands free as it is to keep your eyes and ears open. Talking on a cell
PHOTO: THINKSTOCK
potential attacker’s likely strategies. The criminal’s primary strategy is to use the advantage of surprise. Studies show that criminals tend to choose targets who appear to be unaware of what is going on around them. Many incidents of rape and harassment can be avoided by being aware of your surroundings and by projecting a you-don’t-mess-with-me attitude, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
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TRUST YOUR GUT
he sixth sense is a powerful tool women have been gifted Tsubconscious with; make the most of it. Your intuition is a powerful insight into situations and people. All of us, have
LEARN THE MOVES
othing scares away attackers like a few good physical N moves to show them their place. But, before you jump into a full-fledged martial arts camp, evaluate its practicality — will it teach you quick ways to save your life in everyday situations? Will you be able to use the moves when you’re dressed for office? Many self-defence programs teach complicated, unrealistic techniques. Instead, learn quick tips to fight specific situations, such as being pulled out of a car or groped from the front or behind. To be part of our easy, everyday self-defence programme, SMS ‘LEARN’ to 5424211 and our experts will train you to protect yourself.
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ESCAPE
lways your best option. What if the unthinkable happens? A You are suddenly confronted by a predator who demands that you go with him — be it in a car, or into an alley, or a
building. It would seem prudent to obey, but you are far more likely to be killed or seriously injured if you go with the predator than if you run away (even if he promises not to hurt you). Run away, yell for help, throw a rock through a store or car window – do whatever you can to attract attention. And if the criminal is after your purse or other material items, throw them away one after the other as you run— your are far more precious.
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DRESS RIGHT TO FIGHT
igh heels, flowy gowns, heavy saris and tight skirts are H hard to run and fight in, while loosely placed dupattas, scarves and long neckpieces are easy to grab. If possible, modify your style and wear comfortable clothing when you go out. You can always change into that dressy outfit later, when you reach a safe destination. Think for yourself — would you kick off your high heels, hike your skirt up or grab the falls of your sari to run or kick? It’s a wise idea to accessorise in the college or workplace washroom instead — what if an attacker pulled you by your necklace or used that long dupatta to tie you up? The fewer the frills, the more power you have.
TIME FOR
ACTION
SAFETY ON CAMPUS
phone, texting or choosing music with your ears plugged makes you easy prey for a predator. The only reason you should be using your mobile phone is notify a friend of your whereabouts or to call for help. Also, limit the number of bundles you have to carry by using a backpack or bag with a shoulder strap. This will ensure that your hands are free to defend if the need be. A watch with a big, strong, elevated dial may, however, help.
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SAFETY TIP Your deodorant can be your life saviour. If the harasser comes too close, reach out for your can, spray the deo into his eyes and run away before he knows it.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
CHANGE YOUR ROUTE
Under the provision of Section 154 of Criminal Procedure Code, a rape victim need not in person file the FIR against an attacker. She need not go to the police station. Her relatives, neighbours or a passerby can register the FIR on her behalf. “This is a right that every woman in the city can exercise if she has been subjected to rape or any kind of sexual harassment,” says Soumya Bhaumik, women’s rights lawyer.
ne of the easiest ways to dodge danger is to change your O everyday commuting routes often, no matter where you’re headed to. This way, a stalker will never know your course on a
this gift, but very few of us pay attention to it. Learn to trust this power and use it to your full advantage. Avoid a person or a situation which does not “feel” safe — you’re probably right. Our inherent ability to sense danger is a useful tool to keep potential attackers at bay — stay clear of places that feel shady, people who appear overfriendly or threatening, and situations you’re not comfortable with.
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KEEP YOUR HANDS FREE
particular day, and planning dangerous activities will become difficult. Plan out a few different routes that you can take and mark out safe houses, police posts or big shops in your mind at intervals along the way. In the event of attacks, you can stop at these safe zones and reach out for help from there. Try to incorporate these zones every time you vary your route. Plus, it’ll save you the tedium of the same old sights and traffic.
Where to take lessons in self-defence School of Shotokan Karate Where: 413/3 Mehrauli, Ph: 9811655488 When: Three days a week, 6.30-7.30am and 4.305.30pm. Fee: R2,500 a month. FITCOMB Where: 417, Sector 56, Gurgaon. Ph: 9910240850. When: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays Fee: R2,200 a month. Invictus Survival Sciences Where: B-2/135, Safdarjung enclave Ph: 9999236700 When: Seven days a week Fee: R2,400 for 12 sessions. Krav Maga Where: M-6, LGF, Saket. Ph: 4176 4207 When: Three days a week, 7pm - 8am and 7.30pm 8.30pm Fee: R2,500 for girls and R3,300 for boys. Black Belt World India Where: C-32 B, Ch.Nathu Singh Mkt, Masood Pur, Vasant Kunj. Ph: 9871431402 When: Summer camp for women kicks off in May Fee: R1000 per week, five days a week, 10am – 2pm. Seido Karate India Where: Arya Samaj Mandir Hall, Greater Kailash-1 Ph: 9818962888 When: Four days a week (Tuesday closed), 7am - 8am and weekends: 10am -11am Fee: R1,500 a month.
Self-defence experts Sumit Virman and Tenzin Palzom of Kaishogum demonstrate a move on the IIPM campus
TAKE CARE IN THE CAR
all doors and keep windows up when driving. In fact, Lcar;ock that should be the first thing you do when you step into the the lipstick and touch-ups can be done later. Studies show
that criminals approach at a 45-degree angle (in the blind spot), and either pull you out of the driver’s seat or jump in the passenger’s seat. It’s also a wise idea to keep the ignition on when you’re looking around for stuff or getting comfortable in your seat, so that you can press the accelerator and zoom off at the first sign of danger. Also, look into the rear view mirrors not just while on the road, but also before you step out in the parking lot once you’ve parked the vehicle.
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A
s part of our Safe in the City campaign, on Monday we rolled out self-defence training sessions for women in the city. Among college campuses, the Indian Institute of Planning and Management (IIPM) took the lead. Students attended a kickboxing workshop conducted by Sumit Virman and Tenzin Palzom from Kaishogun Karate Institute. “Self-defence workshops are very important for students who have to be out till late,” says Kiran Bhatia, deanAdmissions.” At the Lady Irwin College Grounds (R), experts Anuj Sharma and Anuradha of Invictus Survival Sciences demonstrated to the public how women could defend themselves against armed assailants, and what to do when you are outnumbered.
WANT TO BE PART OF OUR SELF-DEFENCE TRAINING PROGRAMME? To learn the moves from an expert, SMS ‘LEARN’ to 5424211. If you’re a selfdefence trainer and wish to volunteer, SMS ‘TEACH’ to 5424211
MY STORY “Staying back in college till late to watch Children Of Heaven never seemed like trouble. Mom warned, ‘You’ll take a bus at 8?” But my friend and I really wanted to catch the movie. On our way back, as I made my way through the crowd to reach the door as my stop appeared, a well-built man reached out and grabbed my breasts. I shouted at him, called him names, said whatever I could. The man got off and some people offered me places to stand comfortably. But all of a sudden, I was scared. I realised that the man had got off because he thought that I was going to get off at the same place. He didn’t know that I was walking to the door one stop before, so I wouldn’t get stuck in the crowd. That’s why he had looked so shocked when I didn’t get off. I got off the bus at my stop and literally ran home, closed the doors and wept. I thought he was stalking me; in my head, he knew where I lived. I underwent counselling from a friend who was studying psychology, and helped me cope with it.”
FIGHT YOUR INNER WOMAN
xperts say that women tend to be sympathetic — don’t be! E History has shown that rapists, serial killers and other harassers often play on the sympathies of unsuspecting women to lure them into dangerous situations. If someone asks for the time, directions, or help in or around their car, be as courteous as possible but keep moving. You can always assist the stranger by making a phone call to police from a safe location, or by finding others to go back and help with you. It’s alright if you can’t help — someone in need will find another person to help; you aren’t the only Good Samaritan around.
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Nisha, 19 (name changed to protect identity)
CONFIDENCE IS DEFENCE
WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS:
“In a situation like this, do not keep silent. Stop the act immediately, without hesitation or fear. Shout out to gather support from co-passengers. Also, strong affirmations like ‘I had no role to play in the molestation’ and ‘I am better equipped to handle it in future’ will help bring back your confidence,” says Dr Pulkit Sharma, clinical psychologist, VIMHANS.
now that you have in you the power to tackle any situation, K and walk confidently — shoulders upright, eyes straight, body language fearless. An aggressive image is intimidating to
a prospective harasser and puts him off instantly. Avoid looking into a stranger’s eyes but if you happen to make eye contact, keep it straight, piercing and unafraid. The ‘coy kind’ is an easy target, so even if you’re not feeling your powerful best when out, no harm giving them that image.
VEENA JOINS OUR ‘REAL MEN’ PROJECT
SOURCES: POWERTOCHANGE.COM, ABCNEWS.COM, HTC
SAFETY IN PUBLIC
PHOTOS: WASEEM GASHROO
Students of Indian Institute of Planning and Management came forth for our self-defence training programme and learned some moves from Sumit Virman of Kaishogum Karate Institute (L)
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WHERE I FELT UNSAFE
“While we are all advised to take the subway to cross the roads, I always avoid doing it, especially in Connaught Place (CP). While using these subways, I have always felt unsafe even during broad daylight. One day, I took a subway at around 7 pm as a friend was on the other side of the road. There were a group of homeless drug addicts who were visibly high, and started to follow me. I ran for my life, but from that day, I’ve never used a subway again, at least never in Connaught Place. Can’t the cops keep a check?” Shraddha, 21 (name changed)
Anuj Sharma and Anuradha, trainers with Invictus Survival Sciences, demonstrate to the public how to fight off an assailant armed with a knife
PHOTOS: WASEEM GASHROO
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Our Safe in the City campaign goes to the next level as we roll out our self-defence training programme, tell you how to protect yourself and make space for you to share your stories and tips
Pakistani actor Veena Malik poses with our ‘Real Men’ meme that reads, “Real Men Respect the dignity of women”
Anuj shows how to fight off an attacker who brings out a gun
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