What can women do to avoid assault on India’s streets?

The Delhi gang rape case has provoked outrage and stirred debate on sexual violence and harassment. What should women do to stay safe? Be careful how they dress? Fight back physically? We wondered what men would have to say. So we asked eight guys in Bangalore. See if you agree with them.

Self defence
Haqib (name changed) is a Brand Associate

I think that the men who harass girls don’t expect them to retaliate and women can use this to their advantage. They should get some kind of self-defense training so they can hit back when someone tries to harass or assault them. The sad truth is that women can’t count on others to protect them so they’ll have to take matters in their own hands.

Adjust
Sumedh (name changed) is a B1 Level student of German

It’s depressing but the reality is that we live in a city that isn’t as safe as Bombay, but on the bright side its not as bad as Delhi. In the meantime women will have to adjust with the way things are. We know that our city isn’t safe after dark so they should avoid going out alone at night.

Pepper spray
Roshan (name changed) is an intern at an Ad Agency

I recently bought my sister a pepper spray, thankfully she hasn't had to use it but it makes her feel safe when she is out in the city. I think all women should carry it with them every time they step out of the house.

Common sense
Jishnu (name changed) is a Content Writer

A little common sense can go a long way in ensuring that you stay safe. Women should just avoid being around places that we already know are shady, like local bars, pan shops, Majestic, parks after dark, BDA complexes etc.

Walk away
Prateek (name changed) is a Public Relations Manager.

If someone is teasing you the best thing to do is to walk away. These kinds of people get excited the moment women give them even the slightest attention. They don’t care about their reputation; if they did then they wouldn’t be out teasing women in the first place. So shouting at them will not shame them it’ll only make them angry.

Dress decent
Ashwin (name changed) is a third year B.Com Student

For their own safety women should keep in mind that even though we want to be very modern we’re still living in India. There are men out there who are not used to being around women in western clothes and they get the wrong idea about them. So women should try to dress decent because if they dress in a sexy way then these kinds of men will obviously look at them and harass them.

Out alone
Shubham (name changed) is a BMM student

When people see girls out alone they think of them as an easy target so girls should try to make sure they aren’t out alone especially at night. If they’re going to a crowded place or a market they should try to go in a group. I’m sure people will think twice before attacking someone who has a groups of friends ready as back up. And if they are staying out late at night they should always get one of their male friends to drop them home.

Avoid drawing attention
Keshav (name changed) is an Accountant

I think the best approach to being safe in this city is to blend in. Girls should try to avoid drawing attention to themselves. For example if they smoke in public or laugh loudly then men will start looking at them. Its best to behave like the local women, you can even see some foreigners do this when they come to India.

Photo: supertramp

So girls, you've heard it: the guys reckon you should dress ‘decently’, behave ‘modestly’ and not go out without a big brave man to defend you. What do you think?  Share your thoughts below or join the discussion on Facebook.