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Stay Sharp, Stay Safe: 12 Practical Tips For Women To Keep Themselves Safe In Any City.

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Safety for women in India remains one of the most pressing social concerns today. The shocking incidents involving Nirbhaya in Delhi and Pratibha Srikanth Murthy in Bangalore brought the nation face-to-face with the cruel reality of gender-based violence. While authorities, laws, and society continue their fight to make spaces safer for women, it’s also crucial for every woman to be informed and equipped with self-protection strategies.

This blog is a no-nonsense guide to women’s safety—full of practical, actionable tips that could make a real difference. It’s meant for every woman—whether you're a student, working professional, homemaker, or traveler—and equally important for every man who cares about the safety of the women in his life.


1. Use Your Body’s Strongest Weapon—Your Elbow.

Let’s start with the basics. If you ever find yourself in close quarters with a threat, remember this: your elbow is one of the strongest points of your body. A powerful jab with the elbow can catch the attacker off-guard and give you a chance to escape. Aim for the nose, throat, or solar plexus—spots that can disorient or disable the attacker momentarily.


2. Don’t Hand Over Your Bag—Throw It Away!

If someone tries to snatch your handbag, don’t resist by handing it directly to them. Instead, throw the bag far away from you and run in the opposite direction. The attacker will likely go after the bag (their main target), giving you time to escape.

This tactic not only protects you physically but also increases the chances of bystanders noticing the commotion.


3. If You're Forced into a Car Trunk—Fight From Inside.

God forbid this happens, but if you are forced into the trunk of a car, kick out the tail lights from inside and stick your arm through the hole. Waving your hand or making noise can alert people outside. This small action has helped victims get rescued in the past.


4. Car Safety: Get In, Lock Up, and Drive Away.

After a long day at work, shopping, or college, many women tend to sit in their parked car while checking phones or bags. This is the perfect opportunity for an attacker to enter from the passenger side.

As soon as you get into your car:

  • Lock all the doors

  • Start the engine immediately

  • Drive off without delay



5. Parking Lot Alertness: Always Scan Your Surroundings.

Before getting into your car, follow these checks:

  • Look around the car

  • Check inside—especially the back seat and floor

  • If a suspicious man is sitting alone in the car next to yours—especially in the driver’s seat adjacent to your car—walk back into your office or store and ask for help.

Also, if you are parked next to a van, get in from the passenger side. Vans are often used to abduct victims quickly.




6. Choose Lifts Over Staircases.

This might sound like a small choice, but it can save lives. Staircases are isolated and risky, especially in low-traffic areas like parking garages, office basements, or residential buildings at night. Elevators are public, well-lit, and monitored—always choose the lift.


7. If a Gun is Involved—Run, Don’t Freeze.

Statistically, if someone fires a gun at a moving target, the odds of hitting are just 4 out of 100. Even if you are hit, the chances of it hitting a vital organ are low.

The rule is simple: if you're not under direct control, RUN. Your best defense is motion and unpredictability.


8. Stop Being “Too Nice” — Your Life is More Important.

Many women, by nature or social conditioning, feel compelled to be polite, sympathetic, and helpful. Unfortunately, predators exploit this.

Take the case of Ted Bundy, the serial killer. He lured women by pretending to be injured and asking for help. When they got close, he overpowered them.

If your instinct tells you something is off—even if the person seems respectable—trust your gut. Don't get out of your car to help a stranger. Don’t open your door just because someone “sounds” helpless.


9. Beware of “Crying Baby” Tricks.

Several reports, including one in India, have described a disturbing tactic: recorded baby cries played outside women’s homes at night. The idea is to emotionally trigger women into opening the door.

If you hear something like this, do not open the door. Call the police immediately and wait for them to arrive. It’s better to seem overcautious than become a victim.


10. Special Tips for Women Working in BPOs/Call Centres (Night Shifts).

Night shift workers are especially vulnerable due to odd hours and reliance on company transportation. Here are essential safety measures:

  • Never be the first pick-up or last drop. Ask HR/admin to revise the cab route if needed.

  • Don’t wait around after being dropped. Walk directly and briskly to your home.

  • Insist on being dropped at your building gate where there is security presence.

  • If a male colleague or guard is present, request them to wait until you enter the building.

  • Message or call your family when you reach the drop point. If possible, have someone meet you there.

  • Save the cab’s registration number in your phone (draft folder/SMS) so you can share it instantly if needed.

  • In an emergency, yell loudly. It draws attention and could destabilize your attacker.

  • Run if you can, especially towards houses or buildings. Ring doorbells and ask for help. People will respond.


11. Use Your Phone as a Safety Tool.

Smartphones today can literally save lives. Here’s how:

  • Use WhatsApp Live Location when traveling in cabs

  • Pre-type emergency messages with your name, location, cab number, and emergency contact

  • Speed dial emergency contacts (including 112 – the Indian emergency helpline)





12. Bonus Tips from Martial Arts Experts.

  • Carry a pepper spray or keychain taser (where legal)

  • Take basic self-defense classes—even a weekend session can make a big difference

  • Practice voice drills—your scream should be loud and commanding


Final Thoughts: Caution is Not Paranoia.

These safety strategies aren’t about living in fear. They’re about being prepared, aware, and empowered.

A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. Share this information with your mother, sister, girlfriend, or daughter. And to all the men reading this: your responsibility doesn’t end at caring. Start sharing, start supporting.

Together, with awareness and action, we can make India safer—one alert woman at a time.

🔐 Useful Contacts in India.


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