"A woman cannot hope to be safe anywhere these days. People throwing acid or burning someone alive
right in the street because they could not take rejection. And now this incident of a mentally
challenged girl being raped in the train...right in full view of 4-5 people. How could they just
watch? They should have done something... at least pulled the chain" Madhu's anger and frustration
was writ large on her face.
Her co-passenger turned to her and said in a quiet voice “What’s the use of discussing it now? The
fact is that they did not help. The fact is that we need to look out for ourselves. And the fact is
that the sooner we do it, the better.”
Madhu’s co-passenger is right. Every woman should be prepared to defend herself and any other woman
in trouble at all times. And they should band together to fight as a group against anyone who wants
to create trouble – in streets, in trains or buses, at the office and at all public places.
Steps:
Learning a self-defense technique such as Karate is a must these days. Check the sites given
below for some simple techniques.
Mobile phones come pretty reasonably priced these days. Always keep one in your purse and
make sure that it is properly charged during your travel time.
The simplest defense weapon is of course chili powder.
A deodorant spray or a room refreshner spray can also be used as defense.
A whistle can serve as a low-cost security alarm.
Avoid travel in less crowded public transports.
If you travel with the same women every day, talk to your co-passengers. Urge them to form
a group which can defend any woman in case of an assault. Remember, your strength lies in your
group power.
