How to keep sexual predators away

Body language can help keep sexual offenders at bay, since in 97 per cent cases, the attacker was known to the victim

The body language of women can keep predators at bay at office as well as outside, eminent woman achievers observed at a panel discussion on Women Safety , organised at the Infosys campus here on the occasion of International Women’s Day on Saturday.

“In most cases that I have come across, the victim is usually a sober girl who is low on confidence. Those who are assertive, confident and come across as strong characters, manage to deter any kind of attack,” said Inspector General of Police (Welfare) Sowmya Mishra said.

She pointed out that the body language of an individual gains significance since recent statistics reveal that 97 per cent of rape victims in the country knew their attackers.

Marathon Runner and cha-irperson of the Hyderabad Heritage Marathon Uma Chigurupati said it was the responsibility of the employers to make their workforce feel safe, since 25 per cent of employees were usually women.

“Grievance committees for women should be set up at work places. It should have female members so that women can openly discuss their problems. The issue should be addressed by the highest authority of the company as soon as possible,” she said. Sensitising male employees about rules and issues pertaining to women safety was also very important, she felt.

Karuna Gopal, president of the Foundation for Futuristic Cities cited the example of Rio De Janeiro, where crime including rapes have come down due to a strong police command centre. She felt Hyderabad could follow suit by CCTVs in large numbers and having a special force monitoring the developments. The programme was organised by the IT and ITES Industry Association of AP.