I know that victim blaming is a social media no-no, a social misstep for mostly men. Men have an ability to see a situation, evaluate it and then point fingers in a judgmental manner.
What upsets us is the many situations where women usually walk into situations that they could have easily not gone into, situations that they usually unknowingly experience. Situational occupation places people into situations where they will knowingly participate in a dangerous event. People who join the Armed Forces know they could be called to fight other factions and possibly die doing it. So, when a young woman in the middle of the night enters a dark alley in New York City alone, is she asking for it or simply stupid? We all know the places not to go to in the middle of the night, yet usually women are assaulted, raped and possibly murdered by vicious predators waiting for them. Whose fault is itthat they were victimized? Masculine judgment places the onus upon the person who knowingly walked into a place where they knew bad things could happen. Sure, alcohol or drugs can influence people’s judgment, and what the predator does is 100% their fault, but damn if so-called innocents could not take a moment and think before doing.
I told my teenage daughter long ago what to do and not do in a world filled with uncertainty and predatory threats.
-Never go somewhere where you cannot see or witness a dangerous onslaught coming.
-Never trust a person you do not know. Never go someplace alone if you can help it.
-always seek the light of recognition and sight.
-Be prepared to assault a threat. Never go into the night unprepared.
– There are no rules in dealing with assaults. Rip, tear, slash and bite. Your protection is all that matters.
I told her to kick the assaulting person where the sun does not shine as hard as possible. They seriously do not deserve to procreate. Violence answers the threat of violence. But before all else, simply be intelligent, resourceful and observant. Pricks stand out always, and pricks deserve to be kicked hard.
Yah not very Christian, right? Well, I did not tell her to slit the person’s throat after all :). That would be my job in time. I have been a victim of rape, and I know what it is like to be abused not once but twice by someone I was related to. I was very young and innocent. The anger and hatred that were spurred on by this event still lingers within me. I have dealt with this event in my life. I know others do not need to experience this same type of event. Be smart, clever, always observant and particularly moral. Do not place yourself in danger. Most criminals wait for you to place yourself in their orbit of influence. “Do you need a ride? Can I help? Where do you live?” is a question that seeks information from you. Do not share it. Have the law enforcement authority on speed dial. Learn to defend yourself. Most criminals who see you can kick their ass will leave you quickly.
I was mugged twice while visiting New York City. The first time was in an underground parking garage. The criminal flashed a knife, with threats demanding all my money. I gave him $20.00 and told him to leave. When he did not, I broke his left leg, leaving him there for the police. The second time, I faced two individuals with knives. More difficult, but was able to talk my way out of it. Both events shook me, but at the time, I was in control, not the criminals. OK, I am a big fella, and not a slight young woman, but every person who trains to defend themselves can ward off an assault by using their heads and not their brawn.
Law Enforcement Statistics will show that potential victims often place themselves unwittingly into positions of peril. Be aware of your environment at all times. Most criminals are easily scared away, just like an animal predator, by being bigger, wiser and more dangerous than they are.
It is essential to realize that you can become a victim in this world, so prepare yourself. Hope for the best, but always prepare for the worst.
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario
