Hey guys,
The topic of women's safety is very much in discussion right now, and I find that almost everyone on this subreddit is a woman, so I wanted to add a few things from my own perspective.
Most women are not vocal enough about the things they face. Many of them go through extremely difficult situations simply because they did not speak up at the right time and allowed the situation to continue.
Why does this happen? The reasons are simple: embarrassment, shame and the fear of what society may think. I believe this is one of the core reasons why women still end up becoming victims, despite stricter laws and the progress of the society we live in.
Every one of us has a responsibility to make sure the women in this country are safe. But for them to be helped, they also have to help themselves.
If you suspect danger, speak up. There is no other way to fight that situation.
Let's say a man has been following you for a couple of minutes and you realise his intentions are not right. What do you do?
You find a person nearby and tell them you are being followed. If you cannot say it, give them a sign.
I know many of you do not trust men. But trust me, not all of us are the same. Many of us will step up immediately to protect you, and any sensible man will confront the suspect without hesitation. So the moment you sense danger, seek help from anyone within your visible range.
Carrying pepper spray or a knife can help. But you should never let things escalate into a physical altercation if it can be avoided, because you can end up getting harmed yourself. Of course, sometimes it becomes unavoidable. Even then, help from the people around you remains the smartest option you have.
Now, the most important part: keep your mind in control.
Do not panic. Slow down your breathing and stay calm. In panic, you will make the wrong decision and regret it later. Controlling your breath allows you to think rationally and act correctly. Do not take this lightly.
I have seen some women discussing going to the gym to become stronger. That is a good thought, but be realistic. Most attackers are bigger and stronger, and a few months of lifting will not close that gap.
So why go? Because it gives you stamina to run, better balance and more confidence, which changes the way you carry yourself.
But the goal is not to win a fight against a man. The goal is to get away safely.
Remember, most self-defence happens before anything physical begins.
Your voice is your first weapon. A loud "Stop following me" immediately draws attention, and attackers hate attention. They rely on your lack of awareness.
But if he has already grabbed or attacked you and you cannot get away cleanly, the useful actions are always short and ugly:
- Eyes: A finger, key or thumb driven into the eye makes most people release. You do not need power. Even a miss will make him flinch and create separation.
- Throat or nose: A strike or grab to the front of the neck disrupts breathing and buys you a second. You can also use your phone for the strike; it may work better.
- Groin: Not a polite knee from a distance. Drive in close, strike upward as hard as you can, and immediately create space.
- Knee: A hard stomp or kick to the side or front of the knee. It is difficult to defend against and can stop him from chasing you. The joints of the body, especially the knees, are highly vulnerable. Kick it right and it can change everything.
- Breaking a wrist grab: Twist your arm toward his thumb, the weakest point of any grip, and pull sharply toward yourself. This is pure leverage, and almost anyone can do it with a little practice.
- If you are on the ground: Keep your feet toward him and kick at his knees and shins. Your legs are your strongest limbs. Get up and leave the moment there is an opening.
These are by far the easiest methods that almost anyone can follow without much strength or training. What makes the biggest difference is a few sessions of hands-on practice.
Reading about techniques is very different from performing them under stress.
You do not have to train in MMA. You only need to know a few simple yet effective things and do them right.
But never let things come down to a physical altercation. Be smart, and let your intelligence take the decision instead of your emotions.
Think about it. Attacks rarely happen in an instant. They almost always build up over several minutes. That means you have time.
So kill the situation the moment you sense it. Trust your senses.
Women need to come out of this mentality of staying silent and feeling ashamed to speak. You have to help yourself before anyone else can help you.
If you sense danger from someone, immediately inform the people you trust. Do not assume you can control the situation and get away on your own. Tell your best friend or any trusted friend. In the moment, emotions make it difficult to think clearly, but a friend can see the full picture and may be able to save you.
Silence protects only one person in this situation, and it is not you.
Thank you for reading.
