Sexual Harassment

Have you ever been a victim of Sexual abuse on public transport? Have you ever thought it would be an accident and the way they behaved was not on purpose? Have you ever noticed it but still decided to stay calm and quiet? Have you ever cried remembering the horrible situations that you went through? Have you ever heard of any such stories from your loved ones? Have you ever shared your feelings with others without feeling victimized and ashamed or asked for help?

Public harassment is a common crime that people does and gets along without being punished for their actions. Did u know in every 73 seconds an American is being sexually abused; among them, 54% are aged between 18 to 34. Global estimates published by WHO indicates that 1 out of 3 which is 35% of women and 1 out of 6 which is 17% of men worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual abuse World-wide. According to a government survey, more than 50% of children in India have experienced one or more forms of sexual abuse; among them, 52.94% are boys and 47.06% are girls. And the numbers keep increasing every second…

Can we help to knock down these numbers? Can we change a life of at least one victim? Can we demolish the bad behavior and create a safe World for the future generation? YES, We can!

I completed my education and joined college recently and made new friends rapidly. As I became closer to them day by day they started opening up. What they shared with me blew my mind away. It’s not just one girl but a fair amount of them have experienced some sort of abuse in public transport and the sorrowful incident is that they have not taken any actions against it. By not doing so we encourage these people to behave with many other innocent underage children and adults in such ways which could destroy them emotionally. This is a topic that needs to be discussed more often in-order to spread awareness among people chiefly because we use public transport progressively these days with the innovation of businesses such as Uber and Pick me. Most of the victims feel that it is their fault that they are put into such situations and they have to change themselves; the way they dress, sit, talk and walk; but the reality is it is NOT their fault. We cannot change undisciplined people but we surely can stop similar things happening with other people by taking necessary actions in order to bring them under the law.

Actions to take during this situation:

If you are in Bus, not only girls but boys as well, if you feel some sort of abuse or sexual attention drawing towards you, do not hesitate to scream out loud for everyone to hear. As by doing this other people will be alert and will be able to help you out. Do NOT be shy or afraid of other people’s opinions because you matter the most and by doing this you will be a good example to the society and will discourage bad behavior.

If you are in a three-wheeler/tuk or in a Car, if you feel some sort of abuse or sexual attention drawing towards you, dial the police at the earliest or try to seek the attention of a police officer or any other citizen on the road. This will make them aware of the situation and will be able to help you at a short period of time. However, if you are unable to take these actions due to lack of a mobile or people, then find a safe spot where there are no rocks and a place where there are plants, check that no vehicles passes and jump out safely. It could be dangerous and I ONLY recommend this if there’s no other alternative.

I recommend having a small bottle of Pepper Spray at all time as self-defense which will help to overcome any type of danger from these undisciplined people in the society. Do not be petrified to take necessary actions in order to protect yourself, it is legal and it is being recommended by the Chief of Police.

You might or might not recognize the criminal, do not hesitate to ask for help and to file a complaint against the criminal at any cost because by doing this you will encourage people to change their mindsets and to standup for themselves. If your loved ones share similar stories of abuse or sexual harassment with you, help them to overcome their emotions by comforting them and convincing them to take legal actions to penalize the offender and to give them justice.

Remember that you are STRONG and you can save yourself even through a kidnap all by yourself. Do NOT underestimate what you are capable of because you will only realize it after you act on it. Encourage the victims to take necessary legal actions. Let’s start by one today and bring a beautiful change to this World.

Rtr. Sonia Pinto