"I PUNCHED A GUY AND I LIKED IT." Yup. Not taking off on Katy Perry's song. I really did. A college kid from up North who sassed me while I was out on an evening walk on MG Road in Bangalore, FULLY clothed and looking 'decent' enough to stave off unwanted attention.
But nope. Despite that, he passed a filthy remark, to which I asked him to mind his business, and walked on. He caught me by my shoulder and started talking crap and wham! It happened. Did I feel good about it? For a bit yeah. Was it the right thing to do? In self defence yes. Will I do it again? Hell yeah! Maybe I'll ensure a bruiser, a broken arm to accompany that bleeding and BROKEN nose next time!
But that wasn't the end of it. I hollered to a cop standing nearby in Kannada and (bless his heart), he came running. When I narrated what had happened, to him, out came the iron fist and the perpetrator got a few more stinging slaps and bone breaking fist punches. He got thoroughly beaten and that's when the auto drivers nearby intervened and landed a few hits on his back. This happened because I spoke the local language. That's one point. Make it a point to always learn a bit of the local language. Atleast enough to communicate on the streets.
The second point is, women, know your rights. You don't have to walk into a police station immediately to file a case or complaint. Wait till daylight or go with family or friends if you're not comfortable with going alone.
Third and most important is that law enforcement will not be always on hand to help. It is imperative to learn to defend oneself. Stay aware, alert and avoid walking with your sole focus on your phones. LISTEN to your instinct. And learn how to physically fight. Please! And sound brace though you may be cowering on the inside. Learn when to run and when you can fight.
If you're in the midst of a slow moving crowd, fight. And if in the midst of a fast moving, busy street, retaliate but don't waste time and wait. Wave down a cop and let them take care. If the area you're in is dark and deserted and you're outnumbered, don't wait around. Run!
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