Self-defence classes gain popularity in India New Delhi – Arabstoday After the horrific rape and subsequent non-stop reporting, women in Delhi are experiencing high levels of anxiety, leading to a rise in the number registering for self-defence classes and buying rape alarms. The Indian capital was already renowned for being a dangerous place for women, but following the brutal gang-rape of the 23 year old student that later killed her, women have become starkly aware of the risks.
Self-defence trainer Anuj Sharma says he has fielded a flurry of calls from concerned women interested in taking classes with his training institute in south Delhi.
“I think this infamous case has forced people to think that they can no longer put safety on the backburner, self-defence is a priority for them,” he said.
In his classes, Sharma teaches basic self-defence, including how to squirm free from the grip of an attacker and disable them with a punch or kick to the groin.
Across the city of 16 million, shopkeepers say sales of pepper spray and rape alarms are up, while many young women report that relatives have become more concerned than ever about their welfare.
One newspaper reported that women had started coming forward to apply for gun licences.
“Earlier we would sell just a few cans in a month. But more women have been coming to my shop asking for the spray,” said a shopkeeper.
Following the traumatic event as anxiety takes root, with an increasing number of women staying at home, activists have condemned the state for failing to offer protection.
Statistics on rape around the world show that self-defence techniques are most likely to be needed against a family member or neighbour, with more than 95 percent of alleged sex attackers being known to the victim.