wake of the September 11 terrorist attack, Muslim women, especially
those who dress Islamically, have become major targets.
Reports of Muslim women being yelled at, threatened, having
theirHijabs pulled off and having guns pointed at them have surfaced.
Itis necessary that the whole community rallies to defend Muslim
women. But sisters also have to take personal precautions when they go
outside. Like it or not, they will be targets.
Here are some safety tips for sisters:
1. Always be aware of your surroundings
This applies whether you are traveling alone or in groups. Don't just
focus inwardly on your thoughts if you are alone, or yourfriends if
you are together. Keep one eye out for your environment, looking out
for suspicious characters, possible danger, etc.
Also, don't assume that because your area has been "safe" thus far,
that it will continue to be so.
2. Travel in groups
"There is safety in numbers" is not just a cliche. It's true. Make a
point of traveling together with other sisters, whether it's on public
transportation, on campus, in cars, etc.
3. Change the route you normally travel by
If you've taken the same bus, train or highway to get to work or
school, change your route. Even if it takes you a little longer, your
safety is more important. Bychanging your route, you can avert
possible attacks or harassment from those who know your schedule,
method androute of travel well. Please note though that you should
avoid short cuts that take you through unfamiliar or unsafe areas.
4. Look confident
Walk with a straight posture and your arms swinging by your sides.
Avoid slouching or walking like a victim. This makes you an easy
target for attackers.
5. When riding by public transportation choose the right seat
If you are riding by bus or train, do not sit on the window seat as
you may be "blocked in" by a potential assailant. Always select the
seat next to the aisle so that you can quickly leave if necessary.
If you are taking public transportation alone after peak hours, sit as
close to the driver aspossible and/or choose the section of the
bus/train that is most crowded. Try to get a seat near the exit as
well.
6. If you are driving alone
Don't think that if you are in a car, you're safe. Windows should be
up and doors locked even when driving to avoid unwanted passengers at
intersections. When you are walking to your car, always have your keys
ready, so that you can quickly get into your car.
But don't just get in right away. Always check your car before
entering, especially the back, for any intruders.
7. Never leave your car door unlocked
Even if it means for one minute to drop something off in the mailbox
that's a few feet away. Attackers have been known to lie in wait for
such an opportunity.
8. Be careful in parking lots
Always be alert in parking lots, especially when it's dark. Ask
someone to escort you to your car. Between cars and inside cars,it's
easy for someone to hide and wait until an unalert person comes along.
9. If you are traveling by taxi
Always check the identification ofthe driver (usually located near the
visor) and ensure that it matches the driver. Once inside, don't sit
behind the driver as it may be easy for the driver to lock the rear
passenger door. Always choose the adjacent seat .
In addition, avoid flagging taxis. Always order taxis so the driver
can be traced if something happens.
10. Don't use the walkman
If you're used to listening to yourwalkman while outside, drop
thishabit, especially in isolated areas.With your walkman on, you
cannot hear the approach of a possible attacker.
11. Note "safe houses" along yourroute
Mentally note houses at intervals on each route you take that can be
used as "safe houses" if you are attacked, such as shops or houses
that you know to be occupied by a friend or acquaintance.
12. When you make a call from a phone booth
After dialing the number you wish to call always turn around so that
you have your back to thephone and may see who or what is coming your
way. You will thenbe able to tell the person to whom you are speaking
that you may be in trouble and you may be able to use the weight of
the phone as a weapon. The door of a telephone box could be used
towedge in the limbs of the attacker.
13. Do not open the door of your home without checking
DO NOT open the door to your home without first checking from a
window, peephole or by asking and verifying who it is. Instruct
children to do the same.
14. Report any suspicious activity around your home
If you see people loitering on the streets near your house, call the
police on a non emergency number and report it.
15. Invest in a cell phone
This is an invaluable safety device.Keep it with you at all times and
keep emergency numbers on it. Also, keep it next to your bed before
you go to bed at night. Cell phones were first popularized by women as
a security device, business people came later.
16. Parking tips
Avoid parking in areas that are not well lit. Where possible, park
close to a school or work entrance or in a parking garage that has an
attendant.
If you see a suspicious person approaching or hanging around near your
parked car, turn around and go back to an area where there are other
people. Tryto get an escort to your car through the campus or job
security or local police.
17. Tell others about your whereabouts
Parents, spouses and friends should know where you are going and when
you will be back,so that your absence will be noticed. Arrange a call
in system with a friend if you live alone, whereby you call when you
arrivehome.
18. Trust your instincts
If you are walking somewhere and feel strange or scared, don't ignore
this feeling. Take extra precautions by walking a little faster to get
to a more populatedor well-lit area or change the route you've been
driving on.
19. If you think you are being followed, change your route and activity.
You can cross the street, change directions, or enter a populated
building or store. Do whatever is necessary to avoid being alone with
the person who is followingyou. Inform a police officer or security
official about the
follower.
20. Attract attention if you are in a dangerous situation.
Get others' to pay attention to what's happening to you if you are
under attack or being harassed. You can alert others by honking a car
horn or loudly describing what is happening.
21. NEVER admit that you are alone
If someone calls your home and asks if you are alone, NEVER admit it.
Ask who the caller is. If they refuse to identify themselves, calmly
hangup. Keep the radio on in the house so that callers will get the
impression that others are in the home too. Instruct children to do
the same when they pick up the phone.
22. Obscene phone calls
If you receive an obscene call or acrank call, do not talk to the
caller. Hang up if the caller doesn't say anything, or as soon as s/he
shouts obscenities. Hang up the phone calmly and do not slam it down.
Note down the date and time of the calls. If they are persistent,
inform local police.
23. If you are a student
Avoid studying in isolated classrooms in parts of the collegecampus
that are not regularly patrolled by the school's security officers.
24. In large buildings take the elevator, not the stairwell
Stairwells are usually quiet and dark. Most people take the elevator.
But if someone creepy gets on, don't hesitate to get off at the same
time. Or, if someone is already on the elevator who you feel strange
about, do not get on and wait for the next elevator.
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And Allah Knows the Best!
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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA
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