Tips for Women
Make smart choices and use your common sense. Don't
be paranoid, but be aware that bad things do happen, and protect yourself.
Trust your instincts. They are well-honed from
living in the USA. If you feel something is off, wrong, strange - get out,
move on, flee, scream, whatever is appropriate. Do it quickly.
Body language: keep your head up, swing your arms
and act confident. Adopt a no nonsense attitude. Walk with purpose and
you'll be less of a target for hustlers who prey on disoriented or timid
tourists.
Most of the people who offer you food or drink are
just being kind. However, the rare exception exists - drugging occasionally
happens. Try not to leave your drink unattended in bars, and exercise good
judgment when accepting food or drink from people. Rophynol, the date rape
drug, is odorless, tasteless and colorless. It is a tranquilizer that can be
slipped into your drink by a man who would like to have sex with a woman who
is heavily sedated. If you are at a party, don't accept a glass of punch
unless you trust the host. Don't think this won't happen to you. Some women
don't even know they have been raped until it's too late.
If you are being followed in the street and you
feel threatened, duck into a shop and firmly tell the clerk: "I am a
foreigner and someone is following me. I am frightened and need help." If
need be, have the clerk call a cab or police officer for you.
Try to sit or stand next to other women or family
groups in restaurants, on trains or buses, and in other public places. It is
unlikely that you will be approached or harassed if you're in the company of
other people.
Consider wearing a wedding ring, if you don't
already.
There is power in vocal embarrassment. I have found
that many men are shamed by a verbal, loud woman admonishing them in public.
Practice screaming before you leave home! Also shame them by shaking your
finger in their faces. Even if the crowd doesn't understand your words, they
will understand your indignation and gestures. Most sleazy men do not want
public attention.
Ask for help or company if you feel uncomfortable.
It is common for a would-be thief to use razor
blades to cut purse straps, take the purse, and then get away in a thick sea
of bodies. Wear a money belt to avoid this happening.
It can be difficult to know what is considered
offensive or suggestive in segregated societies, such as in Orthodox Muslim
areas. At times you may feel uncomfortable or vulnerable. You may not know
if the local men view you as a sex symbol representing the immoral Western
World. Take your cues from the local women. Watch them. If they don't make
eye-to-eye contact with men, follow their example. Blend in. Dress
appropriately.
Clothing that is fashionable and appropriate in the
USA may project a provocative image in another culture. Leave the revealing
clothing at home.
Anticipate potential problems. For example: if a
group of men or young boys approaches you on the sidewalk on your side of
the street, cross to the other side to give them space and you peace of
mind.
Be sure to know when the sun rises and sets. A
bustling market can quickly empty out and be transformed into dark deserted
streets. Plan to be back to your lodging or in a safe, busy neighborhood by
dark.
Carry enough money in your shoe or money pouch to
get you out of a tight spot. Be willing to spend this money on a cab in
order to get you to a safe place or back to your lodging. Do not take
unnecessary risks.
If in doubt, take a self defense course.
