Though there is a law against it, stalking is not considered a serious crime in the country. Victims too, rarely come forward, unless the incidents escalate. Most victims are even blamed for being stalked on because they weren’t “assertive enough” or the stalker reasons out believing the woman will “change her mind.”
Women today are used to being stared at, whether dressed in jeans or dresses. Yet, there is a sense of fear at such incidents occurring time and again. “I have always loved dressing up and always made an effort to look good in college and people blame my ‘good looks’ for the attention I received.”
“But I was really shaken when I started receiving calls from from a guy with an unknown number, who would tell me exactly what I was wearing. At first, I thought it was a prank, and blocked the number. But despite that, I got calls. If it wasn’t a call, it was a text. The calls have stopped now, but I still don’t pick calls from unknown numbers,” admits Shweta, a student of St Josephs College.
Former director-general, ST Ramesh suggests that the victim should head to the nearest police station. “All information should be given to the police, including every number the calls have come from — so a watch can be organised by the DCP. If calls are coming from different areas, they will pool their resources and coordinate with other zones to find the harasser. The safety of women is a serious issue and action will be taken,” he says.
The Internet too has made stalking easier. “When I moved to Bengaluru, my ex texted asking to meet as he was in the city. I ignored it but later received another text saying he didn’t like me hanging out till late in a new city with new people. I continued to ignore it. Soon I began to run into him at places I would frequent. At first, I thought it was a co-incidence but one night I was in my balcony when I saw him walk up my street. I froze as I was alone and immediately called a friend,” recalls Harshita, a 24-year-old corporate employee.
“That’s when I realised that it was no coincidence. My friends used to tag us at frequent hangouts on social media, and he had followed me. I made sure none of my locations are on social media,” she reveals shakily.
Pramila Nesargi, a senior advocate and women’s rights activist says, “At times like this, the cyber instructor should be approached immediately. Women have fundamental rights too and can’t be troubled like this. Every time there is a new problem, a new solution is found,” she assures.
Agreeing with her, Jija Hari Singh, former director general says, “Usually, attackers are cowards. So at times like this, presence of mind and showing that you aren’t scared is very important. Body language plays a significant role in warding off harassers. Apart from that, there are a number of ways to contact the police if troubled. They are active on Whatsapp and Twitter and once a call is made, a Hoysala can reach anybody in distress and the person will be warned. It just requires mental strength and the right presence of mind.”
