I get the uncomfortable feeling that there are a few contributers making light of the situation and/or victim blaming. My first wife had a similar experience (45 years ago) in a public park in regional Australia. She was sleeping on a picnic blanket, in the sun, 3 month old baby next to her. I was 50 meters away with my toddler son looking at the animals in cages when I heard my wife's screams. A sexually deviant creep had stalked her, hidden behind a tree, masturbated and ejaculated over her legs as she was sleeping. She woke and screamed. He ran, but not before he turned and threw some rocks at her. I saw him driving away and got his number plate and reported the incident to the park curator and the police. So many interviews, formalities, delays, etc. The perpetrator's wife had washed his clothes before the police enacted their warrant! Eventually he pleaded guilty and the magistrate went soft on him, with only a fine and probation. However, the effect of this attack was quite devastating on my wife's psychology. She lost trust. She's gone through life harboring that distrust and it manifests in anger. The PTSD has rubbed off on all her relationships with family and friends. Meanwhile the <deleted> who assaulted her has gone through life oblivious to the deep trauma he has caused. It's a sad fact women suffer tremendous sexual abuse all over the world and, very often, the male perpetrators are protected, even praised. Example : Epstein, Trump, the Tate brothers, etc, etc. The fact is we live in a world historically governed by misogyny. If we want to change the world in a positive way then it's up to us, individually and collectively, to treat eachother with kindness and respect.
Create an account or sign in to comment