Women, over time have had to develop safety procedures and awareness to go on dates, in party scenes, and public bar situations. A friend calling or a text to check in at a specified time. Driving in separate vehicles to meet at a public place, not being picked up at your residence. Letting people know where you will be at. Arriving and leaving with the same friends. Seeing that friend safely entering her home before leaving. If a drunk is left on a surface, say while dancing or going to the bathroom, then that drink is done and no longer your beverage to sip from. Do not walk in poorly lit areas. Do not walk with Bluetooth or headphones on both ears. Be aware of your surroundings, aware of anyone behind you. I could clearly go on
I am now 46. In 1995, I was freshman at Western Oregon University, in a blink of a town in Monmouth, Oregon. Then, a “dry” town and a State College. Which meant people or their connections drove 3 miles over to Independence, Oregon for their liquor needs.
There was even a police academy on campus.
There were 5 rapes that I was aware of that year.
19 miles over, the party school was OSU, thereafter banned from having hard liquor in their frat based parties.
I read signs in the bathrooms. if you have experienced sexual assault, please call this hotline, and a number provided. I decided that said that the institution was definitely aware of the massive problem, and this was their subtle but insignificant way of dealing with the growing assault issue. For myself, huge red flags went off, and this marked the end of my social interactions at these scenes
I was lucky.
All this is to say, that while some men may share this awareness with women, possess these learned alert systems, most probably do not. And sadly, that may make them prime victims.
Just my insight.
Danélle Lake
