Hi Rohiet,
Yes, this is a very sad incident. And I understand the plight of that
girl,
as my mobile was also robbed very recently. Although, there was nothing
much
I could do in my case, and I know its not the same situation, but I would
like to share my views with all of you.
Sorry to say, this is something which happens a lot, especially in big
cities. If there are good people, there are bad as well. That's life. And
its not limited to only the visually impaired. Anybody can get robbed.
For us to avoid such incidents, we need to be very cautious and alert of
our
surroundings while traveling.
In my opinion, one can avoid such mishaps by taking care of the following.
1. Be attentive and be aware of the people around. Avoid talking over the
phone or listening to music while traveling.
I do understand in the rush of Mumbai's local trains it is not possible to
do so easily. But may be the ladies were observing this girl from the
train
itself, noticed the things she had and followed her. So, paying attention
to
the surrounding could help.
2. Always follow the right sighted guide technique. When walking with a
guide, never let the guide hold you. Instead, ask the guide to lead, and
you
should hold them with your hand over either their shoulder or near the
elbow. This gives you the flexibility to either hold or leave at anytime
as
you wish.
3. Maintain distance. Whether the guide is a man or a woman, always
maintain
distance when walking with strangers.
4. When a stranger offers you assistance, first decide if you need help.
If
the place is familiar to you and you feel you can manage well, just
decline
them politely. If they still insist, stay firm and keep refusing.
5. If you do accept the help offered, don't just quietly walk with the
guide. Keep talking to them constantly. Ask them questions like What's
their
name, where are they from, what do they do, etc. This allows us to judge
the
kind of person we are walking with. And this interaction is very
important.
But do not get lost in the conversation. Keep being aware of the
surroundings.
6. Hold on tightly to your belongings when walking with a stranger and
stay
alert. Something I always do is, keep the opening side of the zip of my
bag
facing me and not the back, so I would be aware if someone tries to open
it.
7. If you realize that the stranger is taking you the wrong way, just stop
walking and tell them that it is the wrong way. If they still start to
pull
you, then just create a big scene. Scream, shout, or do whatever you can
to
gather a crowd. In a busy place this would not be very difficult. If
nothing
else, use your cane as a weapon.
8. Make sure you are not headed towards a quiet place. Keep moving towards
the crowd.
If we take care of these few minor things, we could definitely avoid such
mishaps from taking place.
These are just a few of my views that I have shared here. I speak from
personal experience. Although I have never faced any problem with any
strangers who have offered me help till date, I always be careful and
follow
the things I have mentioned above.
Would definitely be nice to hear from others as well.
Regards,
Vanessa Pereira.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rohiet A. Patil" <[email protected]>
To: "Voice Vision. " <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2011 8:39 PM
Subject: [VV] Fw: [AI] Helping hands, dangerous or benifitial
Hi all!
As we are discussing regarding security issues for women, I am forwarding
a
very shocking mail from AI list. It was a very shocking incident. I think
we
should discuss this matter also not only from the female or male point of
view, but from the point of view of all VI community.
Thanks and regards,
Rohiet
----- Original Message -----
From: "Amjad Ahmed Fitwala" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2011 5:18 PM
Subject: [AI] Helping hands, dangerous or benifitial
Friends,
This may be an off topic in the list, but I think this incident was
happened with one of my friend in Mumbai and after that there was a
question in the mind that helping hands are really beneficial or it may
be
painful at some points? I could not reach at the right conclusion so I
thought this topic may be discussed on the list.
After finishing a journey, one of my friends left her train at Scion
railway station in Mumbai and walking on the railway platform. She found
two ladies offering her some help to come out from the railway station.
Both the ladies caught her from both the directions for providing a
helping hand. My friend was silent and started walking with them towards
the exit door. She found that the ladies were trying to take her at the
wrong destinations at the corner of the platform where there was no
public
at all. She was desperately trying to take someone's help, but she could
not found anyone. Both the ladies were still forcing her to walk with
them
at the corner of the platform.
Finally, one of lady has managed to open her hand-bag and took two mobile
phones and a huge amount out from her pocket and then she allowed her to
manage with her own. Till now, my friend was not aware about her losts.
When she reached at home, she was very shocked and was just crying to be
a
helpless girl.
She have lodged several complaints to the area police station, but still
helpless to get any kind of support from the police.
Friends, this incident was took place before a month, but the question
which generate in the mind that how can we trust on any unknown person
before accepting his/her kind support or assistance? It may supportive,
co-operative, but it can be dangerous and painful also at some points.
Please throw some lights on this topic as it is very important and
helpful
for those visually challenged persons especially the girls who are
frequently travel alone in the big cities and towns.
Amjad Ahmed Fitwala
Cell: +91 9833762173
E-mail: [email protected]
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