Women need to act on their instincts

The headlines read, “Accused rapist arrested! Prosecutor says DNA testing leads to positive ID.”

We all breathe a sigh of relief. Thank God they caught the guy.

Well, listen up, folks. For every predator taken off the street, there are many ready to take his place. They are kind of like rats: just because one is caught, it doesn’t mean there aren’t more. Be aware, be vigilant, or be a victim. A few weeks ago, my husband and I went on some errands which included stopping at a large department store. He stayed in the car while I ran in to shop.

I browsed around the garden stuff and then headed towards the back of the store to the hardware and furniture departments. As I wandered down an aisle, I became aware of a man striding towards me. It was startling because the area had been deserted but suddenly this man was halfway up the row. He made direct eye contact but did not slow down or smile. I looked away.

A minute or two and an aisle later, the same thing happened. Except this time, he said, “Hi,” looking straight into my eyes. For the third time, he came striding up the aisle looking directly at me. I was on the verge of laughing, but something stopped me. As he came closer, he slowed and said quietly, “Hello. How are you today?”

Such an irrational bolt of fear went through me that I have no coherent recall of exactly what, if anything, I replied. My mouth went dry and my heart started pounding. I knew I had to get out of there as quickly as possible and scurried across the back of the store looking for someone so I wouldn’t be so alone.

I argued with myself about reporting the incident. But when I located a clerk at the front of the store who had no customers, I asked her to call security and explained what happened. I gave security a description and asked to be escorted back to my car.

In talking with professionals, including a criminal psychologist and law enforcement personnel, very likely this incident could have had a very different outcome. The purpose of the eye-to-eye contact is to intimidate the victim and establish superiority, as in the animal kingdom. The one who looks away first is subservient; the other is the dominant controller. Once that order is established, the controller moves in for the kill.

Frankly, this was news to me. I assumed most attacks are carried out by someone jumping from a hiding place. I never expected to be threatened in broad daylight in a popular department store.

The best answer lies in education and self-defense. Education means simply being aware there are people out there who will not hesitate to humiliate, injure or kill you to satisfy fantasy, greed or a violent urge. Doesn’t matter whether he is a flasher, a purse-snatcher, rapist, murderer, or all of the above. Be on your guard everywhere you go. Even, as we know from recent headlines, in your own front yard.

Maniacs know no rules, no laws and no boundaries. If you feel threatened, yell, scream, and get away as quickly as you can.

Clinton

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, Feb. 16

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Rivian, based in Irvine, Calif., has introduced its new R2 models, smaller and more affordable SUVs. (Rivian)
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales

Legislation would allow EV makers to sell directly to customers, making lease or purchase easier.

President Donald Trump listens alongside Elon Musk as he explains the administration’s cost-cutting efforts in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. Musk has for weeks posted on social media about government spending, often amplifying and seeding false information. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)
Comment: This crisis can’t be left to courts alone

The courts can uphold the law, but they can’t match the speed of the executive branch in tearing down systems.

Eco-nomics: Climate change is making insurance a risky bet

Keeping home insurance affordable amid climate change will take adaptation to threats and broader efforts.

The Buzz: When you gotta boogie, best to shake it off, kid

A pasquidadian review of the week’s news.

Stick with solutions to homelessness that have heart

A friend of mine, a poet from Leningrad who was born during… Continue reading

SAVE Act would restrict voting rights

As a mother, I am flabbergasted by the continued and increasing attacks… Continue reading

Solar for All program is very beneficial and should be kept

The recent Herald article about the $156 million grant for Solar for… Continue reading

Comment: Keeping health care fair, affordable as costs rise

Bills in the state Senate would look to control costs and keep decisions in the hands of providers.

Comment: Proposal takes a swipe at credit card swipe fees

State legislation would exempt taxes and gratuities from the fees that credit card firms charge businesses.

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.