The one thing you should do as a bystander if you see a woman being harassed

You don't need to be fearless, just willing. Photo: Shutterstock/ IndiaPicture

Earlier this month, a close friend of mine recounted an episode of eve-teasing he witnessed in a market in  Delhi. "Two men were following and catcalling this young girl who was shopping alone," he remarked, sounding disturbed. "It was broad daylight! Yet, no one stopped those goons. What has the world come to?"

It's not an uncommon sight now, is it? It happens every day to almost every woman. But what's disturbing is that my morally-conscious friend never did anything to help the woman in distress. And when I asked him why, he slyly changed the topic.  

This got me thinking. We love to discuss the atrocities women are subjected to over lunch and a cup of coffee. We feel for these girls-we understand what they are going through. So we empathize with them a little, curse the harassers a hell of a lot, and wish something would change. Yet, none of us want to be that change. Because when it comes to helping these "poor women" out, we would much rather be mute spectators.

My inquisitiveness on why molestation is becoming a spectator sport in India was soon put to rest by a colleague, who shared her own two cents on the bystander effect. "Why would anyone put their life in danger to save a stranger. Would you? And what if the molester has a weapon or God forbid, turns to you instead," she asked.

Also read: I am a bystander, and this is the reason why I don't intervene

Unfortunately, I couldn't argue with her. She was right in her own way. But, does this mean that women should be left at the mercy of molesters-or worse yet, rapists-just because no one wants to get embroiled in an unpleasant situation?

Absolutely not!

We feel for these girls-we understand what they are going through. Photo courtesy: IndiaToday.in

Yes, putting your own life at risk is not an option. But neither is ignoring these situations-because you know what, the more men can get away such acts, the more they'll think that it's okay to abuse, harass, and rape women.

So instead of letting your fear get to you the next time you see a woman, who could very well be you or someone you know, in trouble, just follow this advice.

You don't need to be fearless, just willing.

Spot a PCR VanYou might have noticed PCR vans parked outside busy market places and desolated streets. They are there for a purpose. So, if you see someone molesting a woman, find a PCR van and contact them for help.  

Dial 100Having 100 in the speed dial of your phone is a good idea. It comes handy if there are no patrolling police vehicles around. In case, you don't spot cops nearby, call the police and intimate them about the situation.

Call a Helpline Women helpline numbers such as 1091 and 181 work pan India. All you need to do is make a call and report the incident. The people in charge will do the rest and figure out a plan of action.

So You've Called For Help, But the Situation Seems to Be Getting Worse…If you feel the situation might get worse by the time police makes an entry, approach other people. Like-minded people in large numbers can easily confront a few perverts, and even succeed in scaring them off.

Also read: If mobs molest, they can save you too. How herd mentality can rescue you from a vulnerable situation