The rising incidents of violence against women have increased concerns about women’s safety in India. Unfortunately, both insufficient action by authorities and societal attitudes are highly contributing to the increase in number of violence cases. In this regard, we have created a list of essential items that women should carry for their personal security.
Apart from workplace violence women face harassment in public places as well. But when we discuss about human right violations, attention usually move towards domestic or workplace related violence, this overshadows the harassment that women face in open public spaces. Unfortunately, there are only limited policies and laws to address this public place harassment issue effectively.
In the past, eve-teasing was one of the most common forms of harassment in public places, but recent years there has been alarming increase in incidents like men masturbating and exposing themselves in public. Many women often feel unsafe even stepping outside their homes, and they constantly living under the fear of sexual harassment or may be something worse.
Instead of living in fear it is time to take proactive steps. To help women feel safer and more self-confident, we have created a list of essential items that can be carried in a handbag to handle or prevent potential threats effectively.
Personal Alarm
This tool is designed to help people locate you quickly during an emergency situation. It emits a loud noise as well as a bright light, which makes it easy for others nearby to find you and protect you from threat. It is an effective way to attract attention and ask for help whenever needed.
Self Defence Knife
Usually, many women carry knife in their bags as a common self-defence tool. If you also decide to carry a knife, then use it only when absolutely necessary. In order to ensure compliance with the law, always opt for a blade no longer than 4 inches and less than 2 inches wide. In addition to this, it is always better to carry another self-defence tool as a backup item to help protect yourself from potential attacker.
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is a budget-friendly and reliable self-defence tool. It is available in different models to suit various needs. Some can spray as far as 20 feet, providing effective and strong protection. It is very easy to use, just aim and spray in the right direction to create a chance to escape from danger. You can purchase it in local stores or from online stores. The price of one pepper spray usually ranges anywhere between Rs 150 to Rs 250.
Whistle
Whistle is compact and powerful tool that helps to protect yourself during suspicious situations and also in deserted remote areas. Pull out the whistle from your handbag and blow it as loud as possible. This will alert people nearby, makes it easier to seek their help and possibly frighten away the attacker.
Flash light
A flashlight with a strong battery is a handy tool for seeking attention during emergency situations. For instance, if you are lost in a mall parking lot during night, you can use the flashlight to signal for assistance and get nearby people’s attention.
Body Spray or Insect Repellent
This spray is not just for keeping insects away, it can do more than just repel insects. It can also help to defend against attackers. In some situations, escaping seems challenging, it can buy you a precious time to escape from such difficult situations. Whether it is an insect repellent or deodorant, if it helps you stay safe and get out of trouble, it is a worth carrying in your handbag.
First Aid Kit
Always carry a well-stocked first aid kit with other essentials like antibiotics. You never know when you might need a Band-Aid for a sudden unexpected injury or a cut, so it is very essential to be always prepared for such situations.
Pointed rings
If you are traveling late at night, carrying pointed rings can add an extra layer of safety. It can help you defend yourself or create a chance to escape from dangerous situation. In some cases, you can also use it to injure the attacker enough to stop them. Just be sure to handle it carefully, so that you can avoid hurting yourself in the process of using it.
Sharp pencil or pen or ink pen, clipper or nail filer
Carrying a pointed object like a pen, pencil, or nail file can be very useful handy self-defence tool. If you are in a life-threatening situation, like facing harassment in a car by a driver or a dealing with inappropriate behaviour in a crowded place, then you can use it to poke an attacker and create a way to escape from the vulnerable situation. These items are small and handy to carry but can be very helpful for protecting yourself whenever needed.
GPS tracker
While it is not a weapon, sharing your live location with family, parents or your friends is a smart safety habit, especially while traveling alone at late night. This ensures them to track your exact live location in real time and help you quickly if needed.
