You know that uneasy feeling when you’re walking down the street all by yourself? That moment when you notice someone following you or staring creepily and your heart drops into the stomach? Unfortunately, the fear that women feel in public places is so common that many of us consider it a fact of life. A recent UN survey on Delhi further sheds light on the crisis. It states that 95% of the women and girls feel unsafe in the public areas.
The situation is bleak and there’s no denying it needs to change stat. However, until then, it’s only wise that we keep a self-defence plan ready for when our safety and life are threatened. After all, we can’t bring our lives to a standstill and wait for things to improve, right? To help you with some ideas, we reached out to 10 women and talked to them about their go-to self-defence tactics. Read on:
I Yell At The Creeps
“If I see someone following me, I usually ask them to back off in a loud voice. If I sense danger, then I keep keys in my hand as they’re sharp. I also call someone in such situations.”
-Kanupriya, 28
I Keep My Fam Posted
“I make sure to share my live location with my family on WhatsApp every time I travel by cab in the city or travel alone. It makes me feel safe.”
-Ravina Sachdev, 27
I Count On A Knuckle Ring
“While I’m not well-versed with any self-defence moves, I keep a sharp knuckle ring handy if I ever need to escape from a dangerous situation. Though I hope I’ll never need to use it, that’s my go-to self-defence tactic.”
-Lubna Khan, 26
I Count On Sirona’s Impower Spray
“I always keep Sirona’s Impower Spray handy. It has got a powerful burning effect and can keep the attacker writhing in pain for 45 minutes straight. It really keeps me confident while stepping out alone.”
-Sonakshi Kohli, 28
I Keep My Self-Defence Stack In The Car
“I often have to drive back all by myself late at night from work or a party. That’s why I always keep a hockey stick in my car. I also keep a small knife in my dashboard to help cut off the seat belt/fabric in case I am trapped.”
-Shireen Arora, 29
I Keep A Pepper Spray Handy
“I have never been under an attack. But I always carry pepper spray. I feel like I can simply take it out and spray it on the attacker and make a quick escape.”
-Gauri Kochar
Sports Shoes To The Rescue For Me
“I change into sports shoes while walking back home from work and comfort isn’t the only reason. I do it so that I can run for my life if attacked on the street.”
-Kanan Sahni, 32
I Stay Alert
“I was once molested by a man on a motorbike. He just touched my breasts and sped off. I was shocked and traumatised. Now I make sure to stay extra alert while walking down the street. I also keep a foldable knife in my bag.”
-Shreya Sarin, 24
Pepper Spray’s My Saviour
“I really wanted to learn a few self-defence techniques. But work leaves me with no time or energy to train for it. That’s why I generally take someone I trust on a call while stepping out late at night.”
-Surbhi Bhatia 27
I Believe In Intimidating The Perps Away
“My office is in a secluded area. So, when I exit the building, I take the Impower Spray out of my bag and clip it on my belt. It is an intimidating accessory. It helps me feel safer and more confident.”
-Sania Khumani, 28
Here’s hoping that these ideas help you stay safe and feel confident while stepping out.
Featured Image: Pexels
