24 Safety Tips for Muslim Women
As Muslims and their institutions become targets of harassment in the wake of the explosions. Muslim women, especially those who dress
Islamically, have become major targets.
Reports of Muslim women being yelled at, threatened, having their
Hijabs pulled off and having guns pointed at them have surfaced. It
is necessary that the whole community rallies to defend Muslim
women. But sisters also have to take personal precautions when they
go outside. Like it or not, they will be targets.
Here are some safety tips for sisters:
1. Always be aware of your surroundings
This applies whether you are traveling alone or in groups. Don’t
just focus inwardly on your thoughts if you are alone, or 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 traveling 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. 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 it's dark. Ask
someone to escort you to your car. Between cars and inside cars,
it's easy for someone to hide and wait until an unalert 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, don't
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 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 or 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.
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 what's 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 hangup. Keep the radio on in the house so that callers will
get the impression that others are in the home too. Instruct
children to do the same when they pick up the phone.
22. Obscene phone calls
If you receive an obscene call or a crank 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 up the phone 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 wait for the next elevator.
Propz