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How to be your own hero for life

EMPOWERING
Last Updated 20 November 2015, 18:35 IST

The real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear.
        -Aung San Suu Kyi

In today’s age of rising crime rates against women, one wonders if there will be a time when absolutely no place will be safe for women. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, in the year 2014, 22.16 per cent crimes were listed under sexual offences. Delhi ranks highest with 86 per cent of the crimes, followed by Mizoram, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

One can’t help but naturally wonder who holds the key to women’s safety. Actually, women themselves hold the key. When you have cases wherein you can’t trust your own security guards, it’s better to become self-reliant and be prepared for all kinds of scenarios. Equipping yourself is your best bet currently. 

One of the major things that you, as a woman, can do to improve your safety is to learn techniques of self-defence. And that too, from an early age. This will instill a high degree of confidence in you and you will feel empowered to handle any adverse situation in life.
A lot of women get victimised because they lack confidence and they do not know how to tackle untoward situations. So, learning to be more aggressive seems like a natural solution, but beware. Being aggressive can turn the tables on you.

Instead, learn some karate or krav maga or any other self-defence techniques; learn some behavioural tricks to handle dangerous situations smartly. Self-defence training will help improve the reflexes and make you more alert.

Self-defence training can be imparted in the form of workshops at the school level by private organisations, government bodies, NGOs and the like. Various techniques like escape from grabs, holds, understanding punches and blocks, techniques on strikes, hand attacks, kicks, targeting and striking techniques using elbow and knee can be taught through such workshops. These workshops will help women gain confidence, help them let go of all their fears and make them bold. It can also instill in them the courage to report any unfortunate incident to the authorities.

Here are some simple tips that can help you out in case you find yourself in a tricky situation:

First, it is very important to be mentally prepared and aware of the situation. If you are working late at night, make sure you inform your family or friends.

If you’re alone, use public transport, which has police personnel patrolling at late night.

 Be aware of your surroundings. If you think someone is following you, cross the street or step into a store. If nothing works, go straight up to the person and ask the time. Showing that you are not afraid will indicate to the attacker that you might fight back if attacked.

Always carry pepper spray, a Swiss knife and other such utilitarian items for your protection.

Today, many smartphones come with SOS facilities. It’s a great way to let your family know about your whereabouts.

In self-defence, it’s important to know the vulnerable parts of the attacker. The chin, solar plexus, spleen, liver, groin, abdomen, knee, eye, ear and throat are the most vulnerable parts in a man’s body.

All over India, the women’s helpline number is 181. Make a note of it. Also, be aware of your city helpline number.

You can even use everyday objects like pins, keys or pens for self-defence. If stabbed hard, such objects can help you out in dangerous situations.

If you’re being followed on a road close to a crowded area, shout for help. This will send the attacker into panic and he will avoid confronting you.

It is very important to report an incident, however big or small. Always raise your voice when you witness something wrong happening.

The only real fear is the fear of the unknown. When you know how to defend yourself, there is absolutely no room for fear. You needn’t be a victim, you can be the saviour.

(The author is CEO, KOOH Sports)

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(Published 20 November 2015, 16:23 IST)

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