Conflicted

There is a sexual predator on the loose in Brooklyn NY. The NYPD is stepping up its presence in the area, and trying to be proactive in protecting women at risk. This is proving to be controversial.

NYPD Warns Women About Skirts in Brooklyn Sex Attack Probe

Women in a Brooklyn neighborhood on edge over a spate of sex attacks are being told by police that wearing skirts and dresses might not be a good idea.

The surprising message from the NYPD is not being taken well.

"I think that women should be able to wear whatever they want," said Theresa Troupson, a Park Slope resident. "I don't think that they should be held responsible in any way for the actions of criminals."

Lauren, who did not want her last name used, told the the Wall Street Journal that she was walking down the street in shorts and a t-shirt after leaving the gym on Monday when she was stopped by an officer who also stopped two other women in dresses.

Lauren said the officer asked them if they knew what was happening in the area, and asked them if they knew what the suspect looked for.

"He pointed at my outfit and said, 'Don't you think your shorts are a little short?'" she told the Journal. "He pointed at their dresses and said they were showing a lot of skin."

The officer also told them that "you're exactly the kind of girl this guy is targeting," according to Lauren.

NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said the officers "are simply pointing out that as part of the pattern involving one or more men that the assailant(s) have targeted women wearing skirts."

A group called Safe Slope says the NYPD effort is "completely inappropriate."

"There have been reports that the women attacked were all wearing skirts," said Jessica Silk, a Safe Slope founder. "Unfortunately this might be a common link between the women that were attacked but the message shouldn't be that you shouldn't wear a skirt. The message should be that, 'Here are ways that you can protect yourself.'"

I'm not sure why the women are getting upset. If I read the story correctly, and if it is accurate, the police aren't blaming the women or saying it's their fault. They're merely pointing out that the perp has a preference for women dressed a certain way. 

If there was some loon running around here attacking guys wearing red polo shirts, I'd sure be grateful if the cops told me that. And I wouldn't feel guilty, or picked on, or whatever if I was wearing a red polo shirt and a LEO suggested I think twice about that.

No one is holding the ladies "responsible in any way for the actions of criminals." And IMO the message is that "Here are ways that you can protect yourself," and one of those ways is to be careful how you dress.

Yes, it's a sad commentary that some sicko out there zeros in on women wearing skirts or dresses, but don't blame the cops for pointing that out to you. Instead, be grateful that they pass that knowledge on.

Ladies, any comments...?