2nd Blog topic - What can a woman do to reduce
her risk of assault?
Assault is defined as an unlawful physical attack or threat
of attack.
According to the Sexual Assault Resource Center, 1 out of
every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in
her lifetime. Among all victims, about nine out of ten are female. (http://www.sarcbv.org/get-info/stat)
With such a high prevalence of women being assaulted it
would be knowledgeable to tell men to stop assaulting women. Men are often
taught to disregard any respect for women, and that assault can be easily used
to achieve power or control from any situation. Everyone should know the importance of consent; people who violate should be punished for the violent actions they have committed. Women are constantly targeted
and persecuted by men, most of the time these men go on without any consequence
or remorse for the assault they committed.
Victims of assault live the rest of their lives with fear and anxiety, victims are told to suppress their emotions and just deal with the fact that they suffered through such a traumatizing event. Victims are also told that they were “asking for it”, consequently blaming the victim for their own assault. In my own opinion I feel like women have already done everything possible to avoid assault, but not enough has been done to tell men that their violent acts towards women are unsolicited. Women everywhere have been assaulted in some way, despite what they were wearing or their mannerisms towards men. Women should be able to live comfortably knowing they are safe from any type of assault.
Assault is prevalent in more women than men, reducing the risk for assault in women should start with men. Men should know from a young age that assault is a disgraceful act and that by assaulting a woman they are inherently damaging a human being in more ways than one. That being said there are few ways to prevent assault such as buying pepper spray or maybe enrolling in a self-defense class. But overall I believe the best way of reducing assault is by letting young boys and men know that women are not disposable objects, and that they have no right to violate women in any way.
Hi Martha,
ReplyDeleteYour post sexual assault was very informative and insightful. I was surprised by the statistics you shared on your blog. Assault victims experience fear and shock because of what happened to them. I do not believe that they should keep silent about sexual assault. If they do not report the incident to the police and years pass, that statute of limitations will apply and nothing can be done. Take a look at the situation with Bill Cosby and the women who stayed silent. If these women had reported sexual assault when it happened, an investigation would have been done to confirm the allegations. Staying silent and allowing that person to walk away will not help at all because they will repeat what they did.
Regards,
Erika
Martha,
ReplyDeleteI loved the fact that you talked about raising our boys and men right. Women are beautiful creations that deserve respect. We are not objects. Everyone deserves to be treated kindly and gently. I think setting an example is a great way to reduce risk. In the future, I am setting an example to my son by how I treat my daughter. If I am aggressive and rough, he will do the same thing. If I am gentle and direct, he will learn. I am married and the way I interact with my husband can be an example to other people.
Jheri
Great Blog Martha!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed how you stated that assault prevention begins with men and how those morals and character strengths are instilled in them as young boys. We also need to improve on giving women the strength to report these assaults when they happen.
Hello Martha
ReplyDeleteThis was great I really agree with you saying it starts with our young men, we have to teach them what the results and consequences are up front. They also need to know this type of act against women will not be tolerated. I think it is really sad that another person feels they have they right to take whatever they want from a person with no long term consequences for both the victim and the assailant.