Isn’t it difficult for a woman to go and file a complaint at a police station as and when she is in distress? Here is a way out. “In life-threatening situations, all you need do is, call the control room,” says DGP Jacob Punnoose.

Well, how does one identify a life-threatening situation? Is it when you see the flash of a knife or when you notice that there is no shadow of fear or mercy in the blood-red eyes approaching you?
In six months, the figures of eve-teasing cases reported in the state are close to 350, and many more of serious cases might have gone unreported.

“The state should invest more money and energy to strengthen safety measures,” adds the DGP.
The DGP was responding to the harrowing experience I had after some hooligans chased me on my way back home from office the other day evening and annoyed me over my mobile phone. Once I sought the help of the cyber cell, an officer advised me to go to the police station and lodge a written petition.

Responding to my experience that was narrated in these columns on Tuesday, Rasiya from the Vanitha helpline calls up Deccan Chronicle office to inform me that the anti-stalking number 1091 is applicable even to literate-Kerala.

Pardon my ignorance, but I wonder why the two members of the women’s commission and the two police officers I spoke to kept mum about this number!

In a year, over 2,500 pepper spray bottles have been sold in the city. Ranjit, who promotes pepper spray sales, says: “It’s a must, especially for all working women. Most of our customers are from Technopark though.”

Most of us women are used to this statement, “message/call us once you reach back safely!” Trains aren’t safe. Roads aren’t safe. Beaches aren’t safe. And protection methods are flimsy.
Now what? Protect yourself. Be aware of the numbers (anti-stalking number 1091, women’s helpline 999539953). Save it in your mobile phones or best memorise it.

Learn martial arts during weekends or in your free time if you feel up to it.