2007 03: A right to be safe:

NST online. Focus. 4/03/07

It’s a predatory world out there, women and young girls are especially vulnerable. Do they take their safety for granted, or do they take precautions? MALINA JEYA PALAN talks to some people in the know.

ZOYA, a petite 35-year-old, was faced with a hostile situation while out with friends one evening.

While she and her friends were deep in animated conversation at a cafe, a foreigner from the next table approached them.

As his intentions were quite disturbing and suggestive, they ignored him.

Out of sheer frustration he lunged out and grabbed Zoya.

How she reacted to that situation not only saved her, but gave her a complete sense of control.

“I used what I learnt in my martial arts class to protect myself, even though I was just half his size.”

She twisted his arm from the back, and pinned him to the floor.

“Although I was just three months into the class, I escaped unhurt and controlled the situation.
“I was very fortunate to put into practice what I learnt in my Aikido classes.”

Zoya said women in Malaysia need to be more aware of their safety and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.

Instead of waiting for the authorities to take action, women can take matters into their own hands to protect themselves.

Women can be better prepared to face threatening situations by attending martial arts classes and self defence seminars.

Yoshinkan Aikido instructor Sonny Loke believes that with awareness, women could better protect themselves with the right tools.

Loke, 50, who has been teaching Aikido for the last 16 years, feels that women generally take their safety for granted.

“I see them walking while talking on their mobile phones, totally unaware of their surroundings.
“This is the perfect situation for an assailant to strike.”

According to Loke, assailants attack because they feel superior and think women are easy targets.

He said that in a situation the best thing to do is scream as loud as you can, as this will deter the assailant.

Loke said assailants usually threaten to harm the victim if they scream.

However, this is just a ploy to ensure that the victim does not scream so the public will be unaware of the situation.

“Women should try to master some form of martial-arts to defend themselves.”

Loke said assailants would be deterred if their targets appeared confident.

This can be projected through the way a woman walks and her awareness of her surroundings.
It is a predatory world out there and women need to take extra care in protecting themselves.

According to police statistics, a total of 9,204 reported rapes have taken place in the last six years, leaving women traumatised.

The Women’s Aid Organisation has played a large role in helping to educate women on how to protect themselves by running regular “safety” campaigns and workshops.

“We are here to help women and children gain their confidence again through counseling, so that they can feel empowered,” said Nazlina Abd Ghani, a social worker with the WAO.

Having spent eight years with the WAO, Nazlina 34, has come across many cases of rape and violence against women.

“I had a case, where a 14-year-old girl, was raped by a taxi driver working for a well known taxi company.”

She said rapists are difficult to identify, as they usually appear unassuming.

There have been countless cases where women have been caught unaware and have had to compromise their safety.

According to her, women should be more aware of their surroundings to avoid becoming targets.
“If you are in a taxi, write down the registration number, and the driver’s name,” said Nazlina.
“Try to call the people you are meeting, to inform them of your whereabouts and tell them the number of the taxi you are in.”

Facts about rape
Rape is not an “over spill” of sexual energy and it is not an impulsive crime
A high percentage of rapists are known to the victims
Rape is not prompted by provocative attire
Section 376 of the Penal Code states that whoever commits rape shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than 20 years, and is liable to be whipped
For every reported rape case, nine goes unreported

What to do if you are raped
Do not wash–your first instinct will be to clean yourself, but do not
Get to the hospital immediately for a medical examination
Go to the Emergency Room at a government hospital
You will need to fill out a form to give approval for the examination, and the information will be used for police investigation
You may request for a female gynaecologist
Hospital staff will also notify the police
A female officer will take your report at the hospital
If you go to the police first, a female officer will take your report and accompany you to the hospital
Contact a Women’s NGO — you may want or need support

Useful numbers
Women’s Aid Organisation — 03-79563488 (9am-5pm)
WAO Sexual Assault Helpline — 03-79603030 (9am-5pm)
All Women’s Action Society of Malaysia — 03-78770224
Ambulance services — 1-800-883040
Befrienders — 03-79568144
Police — 03-22626555 (24 hrs)
Sources: Women’s Aid Organisation, WCC Penang, AWAM

BE PREPARED
Be psychologically alert
Remember to be alert to your surroundings
Programme useful numbers into your phone, including numbers of police stations near your home and workplace

While walking
Walk in well-lit areas and avoid dark roads or side streets
Do not take short cuts that lead away from main well-lit streets and avoid walking alone
Walk confidently and at a steady pace
Do not use your mobile phone or search through a purse because it draws your attention away from your surroundings
Keep your hands free at all times
Carrying bags and bundles prevent you from fighting back, so it is better to place them in a knapsack
Walk in the opposite direction of traffic to avoid being assaulted from behind

If attacked
Yell for help loudly and scream ‘fire’ as it has been proven that people react faster
Carry a personal alarm device. That will draw attention
If the attacker asks for your money, mobile phone or jewellery, give it to him — your life is more important
If you can run, throw your valuables in one direction and run in the other
If you are thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and wave your arm out. The driver won’t see you but others will

While driving
Make sure you have a full tank of petrol, so you won’t be stranded
Be alert, make sure you are not being followed, if there is a car behind you as you reach your destination drive on, do not stop
Do not place your handbag or briefcase on the passenger seat but place it on the floorboard of your car
Always central lock your car
If you are being followed, drive straight to the police station
While taking public transport
Always take note of the taxi driver’s name and taxi number and sms it to a friend
Make sure the doors are not locked
When you travel by bus, find a seat near the driver
If you find yourself in an almost empty bus, get up and change seats so that you are nearer the driver

In car parks or buildings
Park in a well-lit area as close as you can to an entrance, exit or lifts
If you see anyone loitering by your car or anything suspicious, like a person sitting alone in a seat nearest your car, get a security officer to accompany you
Check your car before you enter it for anyone in or near the passenger’s side door or backseat
Once in your car, lock the doors and exit immediately. Sitting in a parked car makes you an easy victim
Have your keys in hand before you reach your car
Never attach the pepper spray to your car keys because in an emergency, it will be difficult to reach for it when the key is in the ignition
Your car keys can be used as a weapon

If you are living in a apartment/condominium
Report burnt out lights, busted locks, suspicious persons or other security concerns
Be aware of your surroundings at all times
Pay attention to the place where you park regularly
Report any dangers and avoid dangerous situations
Do not allow people whom you do not know into your unit
Ask to see identification of people who claim to be officials, workers or guards
Commit safety procedures to memory, including where to report suspicious activity, whom to contact and possible escape routes in an emergency

On a street or road
Ask for more street lights so that roads, especially in front of your home, are well lit

Source: Women’s Aid Organisation