Eve Teasing - A evil that must be stamped out!. Review on Cruelty Against Women

One serious evil in our society currently is Eve Teasing. Though the word is used in a frivolous manner many times and guys seem to take it like a sport - many girls are seriously affected by it. They lose self confidence, feel ashamed of their bodies and sometimes  even take drastic actions like suicide too.

So what can we do it curb it and deal with it?

EVE TEASING BY UNKNOWN MEN:

There are few stages of Eve Teasing. I will detail each stage and then suggest possible actions that women and men can take to curb this problem.

STAGE 1:

Men are smiling constantly, Staring, Trying to start a conversation, singing songs

Girls: It is best  to avoid the men totally at this stage.

• Do not talk to them.

  
  




• Do not talk / shout back.

  
  




• Avoid eye contact with them.

  
  




• Whatever happens do not make them feel that you are enjoying the attention.

  
  

- Wear conservative clothes when they are nearby

• Keep a disgusted look on your face

  
  




• Carry a mobile

  
  

*STAGE 2:

*The men whistle, Stare at your body parts openly, Make dirty comments as you pass them

Girls: Here you need to take a stand to avoid them to feel that you like what they are doing.

• Confront them when there are many people around

  
  




• Shout at them / swear at them

  
  




• Threaten to call the police

  
  




• Request you father / brother / Boyfriend to talk to them.

  
  




• Threaten to report to their school / home(if you know them)

  
  

- Avoid revealing clothes in front of them.

• Carry a mobile

STAGE 3:

The men  follow you, Touch your body, try to molest you etc

Girls: This is an emergency situation and needs attention. Take urgent action to avoid issues like molestation/rape etc.

• Do not avoid the situation anymore

  
  




• Do not think rape / molestion do not happen to'normal' girls - it can happen to everyone.

  
  




• Report to local police

  
  




• Carry pepper spray or mace spray(You can make similar sprays by mixing red pepper and water)

  
  




• Avoid deserted roads

  
  




• Do not wear overly revealing clothes

  
  




• Do not go out at night(Take a male friend / relative along)

  
  




• Take self defence classes

  
  




• Carry a mobile - Call your family if you think guys are going out of hand.

  
  

The above situation is when you are walking on the street and done by unknown guys.

EVE TEASING BY KNOWN MEN:

Though surprising, girls face eve teasing even by men whom they know. This can happen at home, in school, college or even offices.

HOME:

Many young girls have faced situations when an'uncle' /'brother' is overly friendly. They are always hugging, trying to touch and feel you up under the guise of fatherly / brotherly love or trying to tickle you etc. Due to family relations, even the girls feel awkward to say much. In these cases, trust your instincts and avoid their company as much as possible. If he gets out of hand, report to your mother or some female relative.

SCHOOL:

Many girls face problems with guys in school. The teenage boys with their raging hormones are a big problem. They sometimes try to touch 'accidentally' or bump into a girl and try to touch her bosom. Specially girls who are attractive face this issue. Tolerate a little but if they are repeating it - report to a female teacher or the Principal.

COLLEGE:

Due to the'open' atmosphere in colleges and the revealing clothes of girls, many guys think that these girls want sexual attention and are'loose' charactered. So avoid too revealing clothes and be careful how your image in college is. Try to dress like other girls and play safe.

OFFICE:

Many times, men in power try to misuse their position and try to abuse girls(specially young women who have a good figure and bosom)

Girls: This is complicated as men are more mature and do eve teasing in a disguise.

• It is better to avoid such men,

  
  




• Do not wear revealing clothes to office. Too tight tops / skirts / pants are not a good idea.

  
  




• Try to be careful when you bend down in front of others / Be careful in adjusting your clothes in the office

  
  




• If men go over the limit(by making any sexual comments / jokes / staring openly), tell them frankly on their face.

  
  




• Complain to the Boss / HR as a last resort(No one likes a cry baby)

  
  

Though this has been written from my experience(and I am a guy), hope this will help women all over India.