Friday, October 12, 2007

Safety Tips For Women

Here in North Texas we have at least two, and maybe three, active serial rapists on the prowl. One that has been in the news quite a bit has raped, molested, brutalized 19 different women, killing one.

This is what he is supposed to look like:

Police composite of serial rapist suspect.

CBS 11 reported on some recommendations a local police department gave to help keep our women safe.

By Jack Fink


Hundreds of residents of the Vineyards Apartment complex, where the attack took place, showed up for a crime watch meeting to learn how to stay safe.

Residents were encouraged to leave their porch lights on at night.

They were also told to call police if they see or hear any suspicious activity.
I'll bet those women felt much safer after that little meeting. This was back in April, the goblin has struck again and again. One of his earlier victims offers up some advice of her own (also reported on CBS 11).

By Stephanie Lucero

North Texas police detectives say there's no new information about a serial rapist who has terrorized 19 victims.

One of the women attacked is making sure her attacker knows she's taking steps to make sure it never happens again.

Kathy Smith knows she's not a typical rape victim. She's soft-spoken, but she has a bold message.

"I don't want to ever let myself be in that position again," said Smith. "The only one who can really protect me, is me."
"The only one who can really protect me, is me" That is it in a nutshell.

I thought he was about to spread my brains all over my bedroom wall, and I just did what I could to get out of there alive," Smith said.

Since then, she's experience nightmares, post traumatic stress and she has been angry at the man who raped her.

But Smith has not been silent. She's now applying for her license to carry a concealed handgun, and she encourages others do the same.

"If someone were to break into my home again, they wouldn't find someone pulling the covers up and screaming. They would find a gun pointed at them," said Smith.

Smith says she knows the serial rapist could strike again. She wants to warn other women not to let their guard down.
Take responsibility for your own safety, do not be a victim. Follow the generic safety advice. Park in well lighted areas, go out with friends, keep your porch light on, be aware of your surroundings. These practices will help avoid, but not prevent a violent attack. A firearm is a force equalizer. 100+ grains of copper jacketed lead applied liberally to the chest of a goblin will give even the most petite of women the advantage over a goblin intent on violence.

A Firearm, and the Training to Use It

A firearm is not a magic talisman, it is a tool. It takes a bit of training to effectively use this tool. Once you make the decision to provide for your own safety, I highly recommend you seek out instruction on the safe and efficient use of your handgun.

Thanks to Tony for the story.

The War on Guns has also commented on this article.

1 comment:

Fits said...

"Residents were encouraged to leave their porch lights on at night.

They were also told to call police if they see or hear any suspicious activity."

THIS was the best advice they could give?

Be afraid of the dark and remain suspicious of everything?

Great way to live. In constant fear. And beholding to strangers who may or may not arrive in time to save you.