This is a list that has been floating around the world wide web recently. It is a kind of humorous reversal of the traditional lists that get forwarded through emails informing women and sometimes men what they should do to not be attacked. By reversing the focus this list suggests something big about our perception of sexual assault cases. It seems to me that alot of pressure is placed on the victim. For example, think about a headline you may have read in the paper about such a case. Most often it will read, "woman was raped" instead of "attacker rapes woman". A simple change in word order changes the focus of the sentence and may even help to shift a sense of guilt,blame, or responsibility away from the victim. The perspective or way in which the material is presented can go along way in sparking or shifting our thought process.
Sexual Assault Prevention Tips... Guaranteed to Work!
1.Don't put drugs in people's drinks in order to control their behavior
2.When you see someone walking by themselves, leave them alone!
3.If you pull over to help someone with car problems, remember not to attack them!
4.NEVER open an unlocked door or window uninvited.
5.If you are in an elevator and someone else gets in, DON'T ASSAULT THEM!
6.Remember, people go to the laundry to do their laundry. Do not attempt to molest someone who is alone in the laundry room.
7. USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM! If you are not able to stop yourself from assaulting people, ask a friend to stay with you while you are out in public.
8.Be honest with people! Don't pretend to be a caring friend in order to gain the trust of someone you want to assault. Consider telling them you plan to assault them. If you don't communicate your intentions, the other person may take that as a sign that you do not plan to rape them.
9. Don't forget: you can't have sex with someone unless they are awake!
10. Carry a whistle! If you are worried you may assault someone you can hand it to the person you are with, so they can blow it if you do.
I got this list from www.thefword.org.uk
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
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