‘HOW ABOUT WE START TEACHING BOYS NOT TO ASSAULT US?’
Admin assistant Cait Smith, 23, from Essex, recounts her recent horrific experience.
THERE isn’t a woman I know of who hasn’t at some point in their life felt threatened by a man. I was unfortunate enough to be a victim of violence from multiple men.
Late on May 4, in lower Castle Park, Colchester, I was assaulted when I went on a run. It was a route I’ve run multiple times and never felt endangered before.
I was attacked from behind and pinned to the ground. One of the men smashed my head into the floor and held it there. Another was on top of me. I couldn’t even see them it was so dark.
What they weren’t expecting was for me to fight back. They picked the wrong girl.
Maybe if I’d remembered my head torch I would’ve seen them coming. Maybe if I had gone out half an hour earlier I’d have missed them. If I hadn’t fought back what could’ve happened? If it was another girl more vulnerable, it would have been much worse.
Girls are taught from a young age to be careful at night and how to protect themselves. How about we start teaching boys not to assault us? Stop blaming women and educate your sons.
As to be expected in the age of social media, I’ve had hundreds of incredible comments of support – but there is also the other side of the coin.
Mainly men have been messaging me personally to say that I deserved what happened, I should have been raped or worse.
If I could go back to that night I wouldn’t have gone out. But I shouldn’t have to feel that way. I shouldn’t have to stay inside just in case a man decides to attack me.
I don’t know how long this is going to affect me for. Physically, I will recover. But mentally it is already taking its toll.
Stricter repercussions need to be implemented for mindless violence like I have experienced.
This is not the first time I have been assaulted and it pains me to say it but it probably won’t be the last. Things need to change.