Story here. Another woman who never locks her door but tells burglars not to rob her home. Excerpt:
'As I drove slowly around the endless strip malls that line the main drag of my city, I heard it — a public service announcement that seemed meant for me.
"Ultimately you are responsible for your safety in parking lots. Walk deliberately with keys in hand. Carry mace. Don't look at your cell phone. Don't let yourself become a victim. Happy holidays and New Year from the Sheriff's Office."
On its face, it seems like a helpful message, a proactive reminder to stay safe. But I heard something else. I heard, "This year, the police department would like a lot fewer assault and rape charges clogging up our system, ladies."
Unfair? Maybe. The office's message doesn't specify women. But it's implied — not just by my police department, but by society.
...
But by telling women that we're ultimately responsible for our own safety, the police department is suggesting (unintentionally, I'm sure) that we're responsible for whether we get assaulted, which is just not true. While there are things women can do to reduce their risk, whether they get assaulted is simply not up to them. It's up to the assailant.'
