24 SAFETY TIPS FOR MUSLIM WOMEN Muslims and their institutions are expected to become targets of harassment due to Islamaphobeia spreading in the West. Muslim women, especially those who dress Islamically, particularly need to be much more street smart and aware of their surroundings to ensure their safety in the wake of possible attacks against Muslims and Muslim-looking individuals. While it is necessary for the whole community to defend Muslim women, sisters must also take personal precautions when they go outside. Here are some safety tips that can help InshaaAllah: 1. Always be aware of your surroundings This applies whether you are travelling alone or in groups. Don’t just focus inwardly on your thoughts if you are alone, or on your friends if you are together. Keep one eye out for your environment, looking out for suspicious characters, possible danger, etc. Also, don’t assume that because your area has been safe thus far, that it will continue to be so. 2. Travel in groups There is safety in numbers is not just a cliche. It’s true. Make a point of travelling together with other sisters, whether it’s on public transportation, on campus, in cars, etc. 3. Change the route you normally travel by If you’ve taken the same bus, train or highway to get to work or school, change your route. Even if it takes you a little longer, your safety is more important. By changing your route, you can avert possible attacks or harassment from those who know your schedule, method and route of travel well. Please note though that you should avoid short cuts that take you through unfamiliar or unsafe areas. 4. Look confident Walk with a straight posture and your arms swinging by your sides. Avoid slouching or walking like a victim. This makes you an easy target for attackers. 5. When riding by public transportation choose the right seat If you are riding by bus or train, do not sit on the window seat as you may be blocked in by a potential assailant. Always select the seat next to the aisle so that you can quickly leave if necessary. If you are taking public transportation alone after peak hours, sit as close to the driver as possible and/or choose the section of the bus/train that is most crowded. Try to get a seat near the exit as well. 6. If you are driving alone Don’t think that if you are in a car, you’re safe. Windows should be up and doors locked even when driving to avoid unwanted passengers at intersections. When you are walking to your car, always have your keys ready, so that you can quickly get into your car. But don’t just get in right away. Always check your car before entering, especially the back, for any intruders. 7. Never leave your car door unlocked Even if it means for one minute to drop something off in the mailbox that’s a few feet away, keep all doors locked. Attackers have been known to lie in wait for such an opportunity. 8. Be careful in parking lots Always be alert in parking lots, especially when its dark. Ask someone to escort you to your car. Between cars and inside cars, its easy for someone to hide and wait until an unsuspecting person comes along. 9. If you are traveling by taxi Always check the identification of the driver (usually located near the visor) and ensure that it matches the driver. Once inside, dont sit behind the driver as it may be easy for the driver to lock the rear passenger door. Always choose the adjacent seat. In addition, avoid flagging taxis. Always order taxis so the driver can be traced if something happens. 10. Don’t use the walkman If you’re used to listening to your walkman while outside, drop this habit, especially in isolated areas. With your walkman on, you cannot hear the approach of a possible attacker. 11. Note safe houses along your route Mentally note houses at intervals on each route you take that can be used as safe houses if you are attacked, such as shops or houses that you know to be occupied by a friend or acquaintance. 12. When you make a call from a phone booth After dialing the number you wish to call always turn around so that you have your back to the phone and may see who or what is coming your way. You will then be able to tell the person to whom you are speaking that you may be in trouble and you may be able to use the weight of the phone as a weapon. The door of a telephone box could be used to wedge in the limbs of the attacker. 13. Do not open the door of your home without checking DO NOT open the door to your home without first checking from a window, peephole or by asking and verifying who it is. Instruct children to do the same. 14. Report any suspicious activity around your home If you see people loitering on the streets near your house, call the police on a non-emergency number and report it. 15. Invest in a cell phone This is an invaluable safety device. Keep it charged, with you at all times, and keep emergency numbers on it. Also, keep it next to your bed before you go to bed at night. Cell phones were first popularized by women as a security device, business people came later. 16. Parking tips Avoid parking in areas that are not well lit. Where possible, park close to a school, a work entrance or in a parking garage that has an attendant. If you see a suspicious person approaching or hanging around near your parked car, turn around and go back to an area where there are other people. Try to get an escort to your car through the campus or job security or local police. 17. Tell others about your whereabouts Parents, spouses, and friends should know where you are going and when you will be back, so that your absence will be noticed. Arrange a call-in system with a friend if you live alone, whereby you call when you arrive home. 18. Trust your instincts If you are walking or driving somewhere and feel strange or scared, don’t ignore this feeling. Take extra precautions by walking a little faster to get to a more populated or well-lit area or change the route you’ve been driving on. 19. If you think you are being followed, change your route and activity. You can cross the street, change directions, or enter a populated building or store. Do whatever is necessary to avoid being alone with the person who is following you. Inform a police officer or security official about the follower. 20. Attract attention if you are in a dangerous situation. Get others to pay attention to whats happening to you if you are under attack or being harassed. You can alert others by honking a car horn or loudly describing what is happening. 21. NEVER admit that you are alone If someone calls your home and asks if you are alone, NEVER admit it. Ask who the caller is. If they refuse to identify themselves, calmly hang-up. Instruct children to do the same when they pick up the phone. Keep the radio on in the house so that callers will get the impression that others are in the home too. 22. Obscene phone calls If you receive an obscene or prank call, do not talk to the caller. Hang up if the caller doesn’t say anything, or as soon as s/he shouts obscenities. Hang the phone up calmly and do not slam it down. Note down the date and time of the calls. If they are persistent, inform local police. 23. If you are a student Avoid studying in isolated classrooms in parts of the college campus that are not regularly patrolled by the school’s security officers. 24. In large buildings take the elevator, not the stairwell Stairwells are usually quiet and dark. Most people take the elevator. But if someone creepy gets on, don’t hesitate to get off at the same time. Or, if someone is already on the elevator who you feel strange about, do not get on and instead wait for the next elevator.
Posted on: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 14:33:10 +0000
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