Crime against women:
West Bengal has the highest rate of crime against women in india. Travelling alone or with a couple of female friends can be a great experience. Unfortunately women travellers can be targeted by criminals.
Avoid travelling or moving around alone. Preferably travel in larger groups. Never at night.
Be careful at ganges when undressing etc. Speak up if harassed. Get peoples attention, and the harassers may embarrassly leave. If you cannot handle the situation, call Security/First Response Team.
Dress and act appropriately.
If a disturbing situation does arise, remember two things: firstly, if you think something weird just happened, it probably did; and secondly, make sure you speak up! Creating a fuss, especially on public transportation, will shame the creepy guy and will likely rally your fellow passengers to your aid. In situations that are just uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to find a new spot on the bus, or take a different train/bus/sidewalk/hotel room altogether. Don’t be afraid of speaking out.
In India western standards of dress can be seen as an invitation to hassle. In a UN Women survey of women, girls, men and boys in Delhi, 75% of the men and boys agreed with the statement 'women provoke men by the way they dress'. Dressing modestly is also considered respectful in India for both men and women, so avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, miniskirts (ankle-length skirts are best) and anything skimpy, see-through or tight. A dupatta (long scarf) can be worn over T-shirts — or anything, really — and helps deflect attention. Foreigners attract a lot of attention as it is, and most travellers find that dressing modestly just makes things easier.
Practical tips
When you’re out and about
~think about how your clothing will fit in with local customs – what are local women wearing?
~don’t wear expensive jewellery
~wear a wedding ring (even if you don’t normally) to help avoid harassment
~be wary of new ‘friends’, even if they are fellow holidaymakers
~don’t tell strangers where you are staying or give out too many details about your travel plans
~if you’re travelling alone you may attract unwelcome attention and you may receive unwelcome propositions or remarks – it is usually best to ignore them
~act confidently
~plan your daily itinerary - know where you’re going, what you’re doing and how to get back
~some hotels and hostels have cards with contact details and directions – take one
~never hitchhike or accept car rides from strangers
~ask your hotel or hostel to recommend a taxi firm – try to pair up with someone you know when travelling by taxi
~If you ever feel uncomfortable or in danger, don’t be afraid to draw attention to yourself by shouting and making a fuss.
~In English-speaking countries you may receive more attention if you shout ‘fire!’ rather than ‘help!’
Going out at night
~always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
~be cautious of people who ignore your personal space, do not listen to you, make you feel guilty if you resist their advances or appear drunk.
Drug-assisted rape
Unfortunately, drugs are increasingly being used in rape.
Once someone has added drugs to your drink, you won’t normally be able to detect them. Rape drugs work in any drink, such as juice and tea.
They are normally colourless and tasteless, and can make you virtually unconscious and defenceless.
Never leave drinks unattended and its best not to accept drinks from strangers.
If you begin to feel strange or sick tell a trusted friend. They should take you to a safe place, such as your hotel room.
If you are alone, phone the local police, a hospital or your Consulate.
West Bengal has the highest rate of crime against women in india. Travelling alone or with a couple of female friends can be a great experience. Unfortunately women travellers can be targeted by criminals.
Avoid travelling or moving around alone. Preferably travel in larger groups. Never at night.
Be careful at ganges when undressing etc. Speak up if harassed. Get peoples attention, and the harassers may embarrassly leave. If you cannot handle the situation, call Security/First Response Team.
Dress and act appropriately.
If a disturbing situation does arise, remember two things: firstly, if you think something weird just happened, it probably did; and secondly, make sure you speak up! Creating a fuss, especially on public transportation, will shame the creepy guy and will likely rally your fellow passengers to your aid. In situations that are just uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to find a new spot on the bus, or take a different train/bus/sidewalk/hotel room altogether. Don’t be afraid of speaking out.
In India western standards of dress can be seen as an invitation to hassle. In a UN Women survey of women, girls, men and boys in Delhi, 75% of the men and boys agreed with the statement 'women provoke men by the way they dress'. Dressing modestly is also considered respectful in India for both men and women, so avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, miniskirts (ankle-length skirts are best) and anything skimpy, see-through or tight. A dupatta (long scarf) can be worn over T-shirts — or anything, really — and helps deflect attention. Foreigners attract a lot of attention as it is, and most travellers find that dressing modestly just makes things easier.
Practical tips
- When travelling by overnight train, choose an upper berth to avoid prospective gropers and have more privacy. (Many travellers report better luck with more expensive train seats, which have fewer passengers per car.)
- Avoid eye contact and chit-chat with unknown men: both can be misinterpreted.
- Do not approach men to ask for information for example for directions. Instead ask in a café or shop.
- Ride in women’s cars on trains, where they exist, and try to book seats near the front of long-distance buses. Sit next to other women when possible.
- Wear a T-shirt and long shorts over a bathing suit when swimming, following local custom.
- Avoid public transportation at night, and never ride in empty buses or trains at night.
- Use taxis with call services at night; don’t flag them down in the street, especially if you’re alone.
- Travelling with a companion may ward off advances, especially if your companion is male. (Mentioning your husband frequently – whether or not you have one – may also help.)
- Wear sunglasses: people will stare at you, no matter what.
- Women travellers should exercise caution when travelling in India even if they are travelling in a group.
- When checking into a hotel only use your first initial and no title (‘Miss’, ‘Ms’ or ‘Mrs’).
When you’re out and about
~think about how your clothing will fit in with local customs – what are local women wearing?
~don’t wear expensive jewellery
~wear a wedding ring (even if you don’t normally) to help avoid harassment
~be wary of new ‘friends’, even if they are fellow holidaymakers
~don’t tell strangers where you are staying or give out too many details about your travel plans
~if you’re travelling alone you may attract unwelcome attention and you may receive unwelcome propositions or remarks – it is usually best to ignore them
~act confidently
~plan your daily itinerary - know where you’re going, what you’re doing and how to get back
~some hotels and hostels have cards with contact details and directions – take one
~never hitchhike or accept car rides from strangers
~ask your hotel or hostel to recommend a taxi firm – try to pair up with someone you know when travelling by taxi
~If you ever feel uncomfortable or in danger, don’t be afraid to draw attention to yourself by shouting and making a fuss.
~In English-speaking countries you may receive more attention if you shout ‘fire!’ rather than ‘help!’
Going out at night
~always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
~be cautious of people who ignore your personal space, do not listen to you, make you feel guilty if you resist their advances or appear drunk.
Drug-assisted rape
Unfortunately, drugs are increasingly being used in rape.
Once someone has added drugs to your drink, you won’t normally be able to detect them. Rape drugs work in any drink, such as juice and tea.
They are normally colourless and tasteless, and can make you virtually unconscious and defenceless.
Never leave drinks unattended and its best not to accept drinks from strangers.
If you begin to feel strange or sick tell a trusted friend. They should take you to a safe place, such as your hotel room.
If you are alone, phone the local police, a hospital or your Consulate.