VI
EN
Rape is frequent and brutal in this place. Many people sarcastically say that New Delhi is now nothing more than India's "rape capital."
India is no longer a paradise for tourists, especially women.
The Indian government has enacted strict laws against rapists. However, this has not made the situation any safer. Therefore, protecting oneself is the most important thing for tourists.
And here are some tips for female travelers visiting India.
Things to do
1. Ask your hotel or accommodation to arrange a taxi or rickshaw for you to get around instead of taking the bus or subway, especially at night.
2. Make sure your room has an inside latch. And lock it securely for your safety.
3. New Delhi seems to have a high incidence of violence against women. Therefore, use the women-only carriages on the metro and avoid wandering alone on the streets. You could be the victim of a gang rape in this dangerous country.
If you get lost, go to hotels or restaurants for help instead of asking for directions from unfamiliar young men on the street.
4. Avoid being out on the streets after dark. Take a taxi or rickshaw to the restaurant, as Indian women often do.
5. When you get lost, stay calm and find a reputable restaurant or hotel along the way to ask for help or check a map. Do not ask for directions from groups of young vagrants on the streets of India. A 51-year-old Danish woman was the latest victim of a gang rape because she trusted unsafe directions and was lured into dark alleys.
Things you shouldn't do
1. Avoid wearing revealing or see-through clothing. When traveling to India, it's best to wear loose, comfortable clothing that is long enough to cover your arms and legs, rather than shorts or skirts.
2. Avoid and refrain from friendly contact with strangers trying to approach you at tourist attractions. Instead, you can chat with local women. The same applies when traveling on the subway or bus. Indian women also rarely speak to strange men on public transport unless it's their husband.
When in India, it's best to avoid interacting with unfamiliar men.
3. Avoid staring at a stranger. In India, this is considered provocative. Instead, look down and avoid eye contact. This will show the other person that you are no longer interested in talking to or interacting with them.
4. Absolutely do not drink alcoholic beverages offered by strangers. Indian women rarely drink alcohol in public, even in hotel bars. So be very cautious of any stranger who offers you a drink!
5. When you are forced to walk alone on the streets or in deserted places, walk quickly and keep your mobile phone ready. Set it up so you can quickly call emergency numbers to ask for help if you encounter any problems or even if you just feel unsafe.
