A Public Disservice!

Just spent a few days trying to sort out why a public agency - one designed to help with social issues, be more interested in promoting a "victim-based" program than one that would help to prevent the problem for occuring in the first place?

I'm referring to a Women's Discussion Panel that's been put together by a local chapter of the United Way here in Sunbury, Pa. But, before I tell you what I think of their approach and where they are doing the disservice, let me ask a few questions.

Regardless of whether you are a man or woman, tell me:

1) What do you think - what comes to mind - when you see this title for a program:

"Sexual Assault & Women's Safety Discussion Panel"?

Now, one strictly for the women (sorry guys):

2) Do you feel that you know what to do to prevent a rape or sexual assault attack? If you are currently in or have received training in the martial arts or self defense, answer the question from the viewpoint you had before you enrolled in the program.

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Now, here's what WILL be covered at this particular event:

- A Rape victims story

- A sex offender's story

- The rehabilitation process for sex offenders

- A psychologist who will share how rape victims are treated

- A nurse explaining the rape evidence collecting kit and procedure

- A women's advocacy representative explaining their services

- Law enforcement's role in the investigation process

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Now, is it me or...

... is there something missing from the agenda? (I and several others called the organizers and were assured that we didn't miss anything - the listing is exactly what will be presented)

What I'm referring to here is anything relating to "prevention." It's not there!

It won't be there!

What we were told was, the program is really about awareness. And, to here these people's stories (the victim and the offender) is both heart-wrenching and heart-warming.

I'm sure they are, but...

... who wants to be in there shoes (especially the victims)!

Every women that I've talked to so far, both in and outside of WCI, has, after hearing the title of the program, assumed that information about the types of attacks and prevention and defensive measures and suggestions would be at the forefront of the discussion. They were shocked to find out that this would not be the case.

In fact, after looking at the program agenda, a few even calling the United Way to make sure that I had not been mistaken, were confused and angered. "Why," they asked, "would someone call a program, obviously focused on the post-assault legal and psychological aftermath, a 'women's safety' discussion"?

The other thing we were told by the folks at the United Way was, "every woman knows what to do as far as prevention and safety goes. You know, carry your keys in your hand in parking lots, etc." One of our women who called the office was even told, "we already covered defense and prevention at last year's Bully Awareness event."

"Bully awareness?"

Now, honestly, how many of you would think "women's safety and rape defense" when you hear that someone is doing a "bully awareness" program. Come on, be honest.

When told that it didn't make sense and that, according to the female student who got this response, she didn't attend last year's event; my student was simply dismissed with an, "hum, sorry." "But, to hear these women's stories is just..."

Now, please know that I am not knocking the program that they are promoting. I'm sure that it serves a very important purpose. But, I do believe:

1) It belongs in the hands of a rape crisis center as of their public education programs

2) They are going to upset, scare, and outright disappoint the audience that they will draw based on the title of the program, and...

3) It is irresponsible to present issues relating to something as terrible as sexual assault WITHOUT also providing suggestions for prevention and defense. Maybe it's just me. And, to top this all off...

... the event will be held on a college campus. One of the breeding grounds of sexual assault incidences with 1 in 4 college girls being raped or sexually assaulted during a four-year period - and over half of these happening in the freshman year!

The sad part about this whole thing is that, this office of the United Way, staffed by three women (women - not men!), is perpetuating two of the most damaging myths preventing women from really being able to put a stop to this horrible crime:

1) That a woman WILL be raped, and...

2) Most women already know what to do to be effective against a male attacker. But even so...

1) That a woman will be raped anyway!

Many of you already know how I feel about the amount of misinformation being taught in the form of self defense - and even more exists for women. If not, check out these pages on women's self defense issues and what a self defense program for women should focus on.

Anyway, thought I'd vent to folks who are looking to understand the issues. Thanks for listening.

Talk to you soon.

Peace and Happiness,

Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder and Director
Warrior Concepts International
www.warrior-concepts-online.com

"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"