Women get on stalker alert mode

The recent case of the abduction of Snapdeal employee, Dipti Sarna in Delhi by a stalker has yet again brought the issue of women’s safety to the centrestage. 

Though Chennai is considered one of the safest cities in the country, women are taking protective measures more deliberately now. Archana S. never leaves home without her pepper spray. Working in the field of Public Relations, she often has to stay out late and use public transport. 

“After the incidents of cab drivers attacking female passengers, I decided to carry a can of pepper spray in my handbag, in the very first zip, for easy access,” she says. Many IT firms, especially in the outskirts of the city, have a strict policy in place for their female employees. 

After migrant workers attacked and killed a city techie in Siruseri, many IT parks have stepped up security measures. 

“No female employee is allowed to stay in the office beyond 9 pm. To do a night shift, specific permission has to be given and there is a security guard who will accompany her in the cab when she is dropped home,” says an HR spokesperson for a leading IT company. 

Self-defence classes in the city have seen increased attendance. “Compared to a few years ago, the awareness is much more,” says S. Sreeram, KravMaga expert, who organises regular classes for women. “We usually do 50 to 70 workshops in the month of March for corporate employees. In fact, we are booked for 12 workshops already.

We have had students who have used the training in a crisis situation. Importantly, it prepares a woman to stay calm and take control of the situation when attacked,” he adds. 

There are apps that can be used by a woman travelling alone. Sundar Natesan, technology expert and co-founder of Let’s GoBumpr , says, “There are apps such as VithU , an emergency app that at the click of the power button twice begins sending out alert messages to the listed contacts. 

bSafe, a personal safety app is another such app. Pukar is an app that instantly connects with family and the local police in case of an emergency situation, like eve teasing, stalking, unwanted sexual advances, kidnapping, theft, fire, road accidents etc. Raksha allows your near and dear ones to see where you are located,” he explains. 

Apart from this, a woman can call 100 or 1091 in emergency situations. The Chennai police also has a number — 95000-99100 — to which women can SMS their complaint.