Delhi gangrape: A safety guide to everyday travel

Editor’s Note: While police and judicial reform have to be steps that we fight for and put in place immediately, this is an attempt to help readers think through some everyday-travel safety measures.  The gruesome rape and attempted murder of two young people on a city bus on Sunday night has shaken Delhi. As faith of citizens in the police hits an all time low, paranoia has gripped the Capital city. Firstpost brings you a security expert’s guide for safety on Delhi’s streets. 1. Do not board public transport if there are no female passengers on board. The male passengers could be decoy/fake. 2. If you are working night shifts, use only office-authorised transport from pick-up and drop-points. Join a group that suits the time of your shift. There is safety in numbers. 3. Always have the cell number of your colleagues or friend or family member who will respond to your call at once. 4. Your cell phone is a very handy weapon – it can record (audio and video) for evidence or your conversation can be heard by a friend to who can arrange for help. 5. Learn basics of self-defence – to give yourself a chance to run. [caption id=“attachment_564432” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Learn basics of self-defence – to give yourself a chance to run. AFP[/caption] 6. The first chance you get, you must run for safety. 7. Never attack if alone - try to get away as soon as possible. 8. Call 100 if the situation gets beyond your control or the moment you feel unsafe. 9. Carry a pepper spray in your bag. It is very effective if sprayed into the eyes of the attacker. Even a deodorant spray if used in the eyes can give you valuable time to run/ call for help. 11. Some other items in your bag that can be used as weapons - pen, pencil, nail cutter with an in built knife, small pocket knife, the file used to shape finger nails. 12. As far as possible do not use dark alleys/roads. Carry a small flash light in your car/bag. 13. Make it a habit to always note the number of the taxi/transport and SMS the same to your family member or colleague. 14. While moving in the transport always give your present location to your family members or colleague so that your location and your estimated time of arrival can be calculated. If you are late, the person is sure to contact you to make inquiries. 15. If delayed in office or if you have missed your office transport, it is safer to wait for a few hours for the next trip. Always inform your contact person about any change. 16. Never take a lift from strangers, no matter how late. 17. If you have been intercepted close to the office or your home turn back at once. Do not proceed till help arrives. 18. Always walk against the traffic so that you see who is coming. 19. If caught in the open, move to the nearest crowded place like a shop, a mall, where there are bound to be security guards and call for help. 20. In case your vehicle breaks down call your office/home to arrange for alternate transport. 21. While shopping alone, try as far as possible to return before dark. 22. Don’t use the same route on which you were harassed. It is better to wait for a few days. 23. If possible try and change your schedule (time) of movement. Even 30 to 40 minutes can save you from harassment. 24. Try and recollect the faces you see every day on your way to office/home. If you chance on these familiar faces in unusual places be alert. Try to remember the colour of the dress, hairstyle, and type of vehicle used (make/colour). 25. Age is no barrier for your safety – you may be attacked. Babies & senior citizens have been raped. Take precautions.