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janetmiles at 08:34am on 08/06/2009
janetmiles at 08:34am on 08/06/2009I do not know if this is a good analogy; I kind of thought of it last night, and so I'm putting it out for discussion.
Attitude is to getting assaulted what locking your car doors is to theft.
That is, locking your doors is not going to block a determined car thief, nor will it help if the person who decides to steal your car is someone who has gained your trust (and a car key). It may help deter the casual, crime of opportunity, thief.
Similarly, an "I'm not a victim" attitude (or, in some cases, a "see-me-not" attitude) will not deter someone who is bent on committing assault, nor will it protect you from someone who has gained your trust. It may, however, help deter someone who is open to a crime of opportunity and who may prefer a person who looks like an easier target.
Again, not blaming the victim in either case.
Attitude is to getting assaulted what locking your car doors is to theft.
That is, locking your doors is not going to block a determined car thief, nor will it help if the person who decides to steal your car is someone who has gained your trust (and a car key). It may help deter the casual, crime of opportunity, thief.
Similarly, an "I'm not a victim" attitude (or, in some cases, a "see-me-not" attitude) will not deter someone who is bent on committing assault, nor will it protect you from someone who has gained your trust. It may, however, help deter someone who is open to a crime of opportunity and who may prefer a person who looks like an easier target.
Again, not blaming the victim in either case.