They asked me to dress well. They asked me to wear suits instead of shirts and pants. They asked me to oil my hair instead of a frizzy one. They asked me to be silent instead of being opinionated. They asked me to do all sorts of shit.
But will these all stop that eve-teasers from teasing me?
What is Eve-Teasing?
Eve teasing refers to an intentional act of annoying a woman in a public place. Cat calling, jeering, heckling, etc.
I chose to write on this topic primarily to create awareness amongst women about the gravity of the offence of eve teasing and its rightful classification as a crime. Contrary to common understanding eve teasing is not causal wrongdoing and should most certainly not be treated as one. Women need not and should not suffer in silence when they are victims of eve teasing, they should promptly report it and ensure the perpetrators are penalized thereby ensuring effective curtailment of this awful offence.
Overview
Legal provisions pertaining to Eve teasing are contained under several Sections of the Indian Penal Code and have been classified as ‘cognizable’ (the police can arrest the accused without a warrant) and ‘non- compoundable’ (cannot be settled out of court) offences. The sections dealing with Eve teasing are:
Section 294
Section 354
Section 354 A
Section 354 D
Section 509
Where a woman is victim to any of the offences described herein above it is in her best interest to promptly go to the nearest police station and file a First Information Report (FIR) Lodging an FIR at the earliest, is crucial to efficient investigation and prompt nabbing of the accused.
It is our duty as women to not only keep abreast of the laws that have been passed in our interest but to also endeavour to ensure they are enforced at the right time. Let’s vow to do as much as we can to safeguard and protect the interests of our tribe... to stay smart... and stay safe!
Steps to prevent Eve-Teasing.
Self defence tricks to avoid eve teasers are as under:
Leave the pepper spray behind.
Keep attentive.
Raise your voice.
Body language.
Use public vehicles.
Dress appropriately.
Some Facts And Figures
I googled eve teasing and found many hits. Some thought-provoking and shocking facts and figures about eve teasing in India are as follows:
The expression eve teasing in origin is actually Indian. You won’t find it in most of the dictionaries. Native speakers of English, eventually don’t use it.
Research suggests that 32 percent of the eve-teasers are basically students, 35 percent are anti-socials, while the remaining 33 percent are middle-aged men.
The number of registered cases of sexual crimes against women in India gets an increase from 67, 072 in 1988 to 84000 in 1993.In 1995, more than 25000 cases of molestation and 12000 cases of rape were reported in the capital city of New Delhi itself.
An increasingly large number of college-going women taking public transportation in Delhi have resorted to carrying pins, penknives, and even daggers as a deterrent. Others have taken self-defense classes as well.
A recent survey showed that around 90 percent of college girls in New Delhi have experienced sexual harassment in any form possible. Yet, it is estimated that only about 1 in 10000-eve teasing occurrences get reported back to the police.
98 percent of the women have complained that sexual harassment on roads has affected their personal and even academic development in so many different ways.
These facts may appear fake and horrifying, but they clearly show the plight of women in India. And it is sad to say but, the condition is deteriorating day by day. It is high time, therefore, that we include eve-teasing as a Tort under a new head of liability and curb this heinous practice.
Eve Teasing – The Psychology Behind
I goggled eve-teasing and found that many psychologists believe that sex, love, or fun is not the only motive that men indulge in this behaviour. Eve teasing is closely related to the gentle mindset of the Indian male. Men are raised to believe that they are more powerful physically and emotionally than women. They feel that they are doing nothing wrong just having some fun. Women on the other hand are made to feel vulnerable and the weaker sex. Read more: Rapid assessment of eve teasing
A game they called fun!
Every morning they stood at the corner of the street under the flickering lamp with their fancy bikes and cheap mentality. Passing vulgar comments, stalking at times.
“A game they called fun”
Till one day, the girl in the blue jeans, and a stole covered face, afraid and embarrassed crossed the road in shame, facing away from her brother standing in shock with his
“Fun-loving friends”!
Verdict
Even I was considered an eve, just like any other woman.
The Bottom Line
Fight the evil of eve-teasing. If you want to tease a girl, start it with your mother and sisters! We often hear people saying ‘Maal’, I guess they use this word to compliment how good she looks, but you need to understand that we are not some non-living things roaming around whom you can give names of your choice. Henceforth, use this word for ‘goods’ and not for ‘girls’!
Learn more: Understanding rape culture in India
Written By - Ifrah Amin
Edited By - Pavas Shrigyan
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