The V Word

Vigilant, vigilante, virgin, victim.

They say that crimes of a sexual nature often don't get reported until the facts or figures have adversely aged by 21 or more years. But when you are a victim and you're pushed over that live where you're suddenly uncomfortable, many take multiple showers in an attempt to wash away the icky feeling.

The "art" of petting is subtle. It is about escalating a series of tests to warm you're target up, while also seeing how much you can get away with each time. The tried experts work no time just the one person, burn position themselves in the community as givers, not takers.

So how do you catch a pervert?

I know I am I am not under age and so there is nothing wrong with my 50 y.o. neighbour hitting on me, but I still believe it is petting when he progresses from touching my shoulder to inviting himself into my backyard.

In an age when ...well, age, has less to do with a number and society can legally allow my 42 yo mother to date a boy younger than me while she has her mid-life crisis, every one of us still shivers at the idea of mum's 80 yo landlord trying to stick his tongue in my mouth. And I hope we always do.

I may be old enough to rent my own place, but I am still significantly the youngest in every in the mews (by a few decades) to be the weakest.

What does a pervert look like? How young is too old to be a target?

No matter how accepting society becomes, or how much I believe in etiquette, having your choices slowly taken from you while you're blinded by politeness is not okay.

Until we teach madmen not to assault others, may we talk with those who are weak and open their eyes, may we have the strength to say to the fuckers this is where I draw the line, and may those in power never forget that true power is in the truth.

I will not be a victim again, I am vigilant.

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/09/24/in-plain-view