There are many situations where one is exposed to danger these days, whether it is travelling to or from work, or after an evening out. Women are particularly vulnerable, although men could also be targets of violence and would do well to follow many of the same safety tips. 

Some reasons why women are easier targets for random acts of violence are: 

1) Lack of Alertness - Sometimes women are busy talking on the phone or seem not to notice what is going on. You MUST know where you are and what's going on around you. 

2) Body Language - Women may give the appearance of being vulnerable. Keep your head up, swing your arms, and stand up straight. 

3) Wrong place, wrong time - DON'T walk alone in an alley, or deserted area especially at late night /early morning. 
 
 

Remember, the most violent situations (especially domestic violence) start after a verbal quarrel. Always try to "cool the situation down" or try to get out of the place before it's too late. 

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 
 
Here are some tips on how to avoid dangerous situations and be safe. 

• If you see or sense problems on your way, just change your route and prepare to run or defend yourself. 

• Do not wear conspicuous jewellery when you are walking on the streets alone. 

• Do not take lifts from little known acquaintances, use buses or taxis instead. 

• Do not act or look like an easy target - look confident! 

• People on their cell phones, searching through their bags, or doing other activities while walking are easy targets as they can be caught off guard and easily overpowered. 

• Aggressors will back down if you maintain eye contact and are not intimidated by them and scream and shout, as they don't want attention drawn towards them. 
 
• Don't assume that just because you are with a single male escort you are completely safe. One person will not be able to protect you if you are attacked by a gang. So, continue to take appropriate safety precautions in such a situation. 

 
Here are some suggestions for safety while travelling: 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT 

In an Auto/Cab 

• Make a mock call and say the license number loudly on the phone. The idea here is that the auto driver listens and knows that you have shared his details with someone. Try and make a note of the license number. What also helps is messaging the actual detail to the closest person who can help, should the need arise. 

• Cover your face (especially the mouth and nose) when you sit in an auto. It will just buy you some time in case the auto driver sprays the chloroform. 

• Don't use shortcuts, narrow alleys, or poorly lit streets. Don't fall for statements like "Short cut madam" or "The traffic is too much I will not take the regular route, sir" - you can politely say, "Sorry, then I would like to stop here." 

• Be alert in an auto, never look distracted, even while messaging. Keep looking up and around. Try not to read, listen to music or talk on the phone. Keep an eye on the driver. 

• For people who regularly commute by auto/ cab, it is best to have a fixed cab whose details are with one of your family members. 

• Always have the number of one family member and the police on your speed dial. 

• Always carry pepper spray. Keep the lid open and once inside the auto, ensure that the pepper spray is within your reach; the best way to do this is to put your hands inside the bag and hold the pepper spray. Practice using pepper spray to be able to use it when needed and avoid accidents due to anxiety in handling it. Keep checking the validity and effectiveness. 

• Give your "gut feeling" the deserved attention; if something is making you uncomfortable or suspicious, avoid taking that cab or auto. 

• Sit closer to the exit and be ready to jump off to safety if needed. 

• MOST IMPORTANTLY, IN A CRISIS SITUATION, NEVER BE AFRAID TO SCREAM, and if you can, do use your knee or elbow to attack the aggressor, or your fingers to poke their eyes. 

 
In a bus/train 

• Remember, there is usually safety in numbers. Wait in a coffee shop or in a well-lit area for the public transport to arrive. 
 
• Don't choose the window seat as you may be "blocked in" by a potential assailant; always choose an aisle seat for a quick exit. 
 
• After peak hours, always choose the train compartment carrying the most passengers or the compartment directly behind the train driver. 
 
• On buses, sit behind the driver or next to the door for a quick exit. 

IN PRIVATE VEHICLES 

• Danger areas are when you are stepping out of your car, either at home or in isolated areas, and walking to your car. 

• Always approach your vehicle with the keys ready. 

• Windows should be up, and doors locked even when driving, to avoid unwanted passengers at intersections, more so at night. 

• Always check your car before entering. 

• Never leave your car unlocked, even for the few minutes it may take you to return a video, buy milk, and so forth. Attackers have been known to lie in wait for such an opportunity. 

• Never get into a car even if someone is pointing a knife or a handgun at you. Just start to run away from the car screaming at the same time. It's much more likely that he will drive away to find an easier target than attacking or killing you. But if you get into the car, he has a much better opportunity to drive to a quiet place and start to abuse you, and later, maybe even kill you. 

• Never pull your car over on a quiet road even if someone drives alongside your car pointing at the tires, etc. Always continue driving to a well-lit and crowded area before exiting your car. The problem might be a bluff and the driver wants you to stop at the side of the road to "help" you without a reason. 

• Don't roll down windowpanes at the request of a stranger; knocking at windowpanes is a very common trick to distract you with the intent of robbing. 

• Always be alert in parking lots, especially when it's dark. If you are afraid, don't be shy about asking someone to escort you to your car. It's easy for someone to hide and wait between cars and inside cars. 

OFFICIAL TRANSPORT 

One generally thinks that if it is official transport, it is safe; however, do keep the following in mind: 

• One needs to be cautious if the cab assigned is changed without official communication. 

• Be extra alert to any change in drivers, when there is no official communication; especially if one is the first to be picked up or dropped off. 

• Insist on a guard when you are the first pick up or last drop off (most companies do give some kind of security personnel with the cab if it has women passengers). 

• Get dropped off as close to your home as possible and if you must cross the road, ask the driver to wait until you have done so. 

• Carry some protective mechanism, like pepper spray. 

• Be aware of who is responsible for transport arrangements and ensuring safety during the commute. Alert the concerned person if there are any signs of distrust. 

• Inform someone in the family, a colleague or trusted person, and the HR personnel, if you anticipate trouble or are feeling uncomfortable about any relationship at work, especially if there is any threat. 

Our world is not as safe as it used to be and no one expects to be the target of a violent crime, but one must be prepared and aware so that we are able to avoid getting into a dangerous situation, and if ever we must face one, we know what to do. 

If you would like to discuss this further or need some help or support in this or any other area, our counsellors would be happy to help.