According to the *universal* dictionary, the word "no" is a negative used to express dissent, denial, or refusal, as in response to a question or request. But why do predators think of it as a "yes" or a "please do whatever you want to do to me!"? "No" is not only a word but sentence by itself, it doesn't need any explanation nor an interpretation. "No" simply means "no".
Now, I live in Barking and Dagenham where there were 154 cases of rape between April 2014 and March 2015. Statistically, that places us on the 19th worst position. Not the worst possible thing but definitely something we shouldn't be proud of. A third of Britons believe that a woman who acts flirtatiously is partially or even completely to blame for being raped. Let us be honest, we live in a society where what everything a girl does become everyone's business. More than a quarter also believe that a woman is (more than) partially responsible for being raped if she wears a sexy or revealing clothing. No woman should go with a man alone because by doing so, people will assume that you have issued a license to touch. Right? Wrong.
A question of character comes into play here. What is *your* character? Are we giving our young girls the wrong idea? If girls and boys go for dinner or drinks, it's their own choice. You don't need a sign that clearly labels you as 'unavailable'. We, us, society are promoting the idea that girls should not live alone in the city. Boys can live alone but girls can't? Does independent women confuse men?
Honestly, in my opinion, I think it is a bit unwise to be so protective and judgemental about having this whole stigma of girls walking alone at night. When woman walk down a road in the middle of the night, what is the first thing you think about them? Do you judge them *instantly* for their character? Why is it at night that cars will slow down and windows will roll down? Doesn't anyone have this idea at night? In this day and age, the hand on a clock decides your character.
Until today, we have all given our efforts towards the wrong direction, we should save our boys, not our girls. Because if we save our boys then our girls will be safe.
"No" means "no". The person who utters these words does not make a difference. Whether it's a friend or a girlfriend, *even* if a sex worker or your own wife. "No" means "no" and when someone says "no", you stop.
Written by Jahnavi S.
