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A woman was sexually assaulted by a man in Lebanon Hills Regional Park last week (“Eagan police urge caution as search continues for suspects in sexual assaults at Lebanon Hills Park,” StarTribune.com, Nov. 9).
It was 11 a.m.
This park is a mile from where I grew up, surrounded by great sidewalks and trails for walking, running, whatever. I am so hurt knowing this woman was hurt in a place I frequented and where grew my love of running. What the heck. It was 11 a.m. What more do you want women to do?
Let me tell you, it wasn’t what she was wearing, it wasn’t dark out, it wasn’t a “sketchy part of the city,” it’s not because she was alone, it doesn’t matter if she had earbuds in. Being assaulted is a choice by the perpetrator. On a beautiful trail in (what I consider) a safe suburb. What more do you want women to do?
I choose to run by myself. I listen to music because I like to. I track a car’s tires that pass me to make sure they aren’t pulling over. I at least memorize the state of the license plate and color of a car that slows down near me. I pause my music whenever I pass anyone so I can listen to their steps. I give a wide berth when approaching someone so they don’t lash out. I don’t run in the dark. I cross the street if someone appears to be questionable. I carry my phone with me on every run. We already do so much while trying to “enjoy” exercise, nature and alone time. What more do you want women to do?
Women don’t need to be babysat to go outside. Women can be alone and enjoy nature. Women can run/walk/ride at 11 a.m. because it works with their schedule. Women shouldn’t have to bring every defense under the sun because someone else sees them as prey. This shouldn’t be about the woman — she was the victim. This should be about the person who decided to hurt another person.