I've taken martial arts and self-defense classes for the last 15 years.
I've been trained in knifework and weapons handling.
Soon enough I will get to shoot a gun again and be able to receive tactical training in how to work with an armed group of people should a zombie apocalypse occur (well, not really, but it's what I tell myself
).
I began all of this to help myself feel safer and more prepared should I be attacked again in the future. Guess what? My self-defense and martial arts training was no help in preventing the burglary. Now here's the kicker....
The response I received after being burglarized was FAR different and MUCH MORE compassionate than after being raped and left on the side of the road to die. Nobody ever suggested that I should have utilized my training in self defense to stop the burglars from forcefully entering our house, damaging much of our furniture, and stealing all our valuables. Nobody ever made mention about how careless we were, how we left ourselves open and vulnerable, or how we should take more caution next time an ice storm happens. Basically, ALL people we've talked to recognized we were victimized and that the perpetrators should be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
My actions, my words, my reaction, my clothing, the relationship to the man who raped me.....all were brought up as relevant in the crime committed. People applaud how I'm trying to defend myself from rape because I'm....apparently....
taking responsibility. But nobody has yet in the 7 years since we were burglarized how my self-defense and knifework is going to help prevent any further burglaries in our house.
I've also been questioned about whether or not I was
actually raped, and that I was just making it up. But NOT ONCE was I ever held under any suspicion when I mentioned we were burglarized.
The differences in responses by law enforcement, by acquaintances, by friends, and by total strangers on the internet is glaring.