a few days ago me and a friend came out of a pub to find a woman in what appeared to be a domestic dispute with an acutely aggressive man...quickly it became clear that this woman was a victim, and she later told us that she had been abducted from her friends at the pub and was actively being led away when we arrived. had we not showed in that precise moment, had there not been the two of us, and had said friend not spoken German enough to know everything was wrong about this...I am genuinely deeply chilled to consider what would have happened. we took her back to the pub, provided mobile number and expressed how close I lived should she be completely without option, and gave the promise of immediate support should her friends no longer be there or if he returned. I have always been concerned, and active in gender equality, womens rights and safety, and dare I say...social justice, but in this happening I feel a personal shift in my sincerity toward distinct absolution. today in the police station giving my statement and going through some 700 pictures to try to identify the guy I was overcome by two thoughts: 1. the seriousness of these actions, crimes, fears, and need for vigilance is dire: this belongs to everyone. going through the images was strange because I had the sense that quite literally, the next moment of any of these guys lives was to be dictated by the certain impulse of a dwindling memory. considerate effort was needed to be as sure as possible. 2. Love each other and keep one another safe. If you see something that looks like hell for someone, sketchy, unsafe, or plain terrifying it IS your business and your genuine obligation to act (if possible and safe) to come to gentle and reassuring aid. We are not living in someone elses society we ARE our own society, and how we act really does potentially mean life/death/health/success for each other and in turn ourselves. If I was already a donating member, the feminist movement and neighbourhood watch has just earned a card carrying evangelist. Stay safe, beautiful people.
Posted on: Fri, 24 Oct 2014 11:24:45 +0000
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