Providing Women With More Resources to Protect Themselves Against Sexual Crime
The Issue
Hey everyone! My name is Emerson Dowling, and I am hoping to create change in society by providing women with more resources to protect themselves against sexual crime. I aspire to make the world a safer place where women feel comfortable and confident enough to live their lives as they wish.
Recently, my friends and I, who are rising senior girls in high school, all went to dinner and took photos in a very busy area of our hometown. While we were taking photos, an older male came up behind us and began taking photos of us on his phone without our consent. Even when we backed away from him, he kept coming closer and insisted on taking more photos of us. We had no idea what to do in that moment because we were scared and didn't know how he would react if we did do something. That night will stay in our minds because we don't know where those photos will end up, and if he's continuing to make other women uncomfortable.
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), 81% of women experience sexual assault and/or harassment, while 43% of men encounter these crimes in the US. Data has consistently shown that women are more likely to become victims of these crimes, whether the perpetrator is a partner or a stranger.
Although there are some safety resources available to women, such as pepper spray and personal alarms, these tools do not completely protect them from the perpetrator. I believe that public areas, especially quieter ones, should have more emergency call boxes. This is so everyone can have direct access to their local police or security dispatch if they see or experience sexual behavior. Another tool that I think would be helpful is creating an app that advises women and girls on how to act quickly and effectively in situations that involve sexual assault and/or harassment. There could be AI videos that teach self-defense, and chats where women can ask questions and open up about their experiences.
If you want to put a stop to sexual crimes against women, sign this petition so we can make women and young girls feel safer and more confident in their communities!!
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The Issue
Hey everyone! My name is Emerson Dowling, and I am hoping to create change in society by providing women with more resources to protect themselves against sexual crime. I aspire to make the world a safer place where women feel comfortable and confident enough to live their lives as they wish.
Recently, my friends and I, who are rising senior girls in high school, all went to dinner and took photos in a very busy area of our hometown. While we were taking photos, an older male came up behind us and began taking photos of us on his phone without our consent. Even when we backed away from him, he kept coming closer and insisted on taking more photos of us. We had no idea what to do in that moment because we were scared and didn't know how he would react if we did do something. That night will stay in our minds because we don't know where those photos will end up, and if he's continuing to make other women uncomfortable.
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), 81% of women experience sexual assault and/or harassment, while 43% of men encounter these crimes in the US. Data has consistently shown that women are more likely to become victims of these crimes, whether the perpetrator is a partner or a stranger.
Although there are some safety resources available to women, such as pepper spray and personal alarms, these tools do not completely protect them from the perpetrator. I believe that public areas, especially quieter ones, should have more emergency call boxes. This is so everyone can have direct access to their local police or security dispatch if they see or experience sexual behavior. Another tool that I think would be helpful is creating an app that advises women and girls on how to act quickly and effectively in situations that involve sexual assault and/or harassment. There could be AI videos that teach self-defense, and chats where women can ask questions and open up about their experiences.
If you want to put a stop to sexual crimes against women, sign this petition so we can make women and young girls feel safer and more confident in their communities!!
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Petition created on August 16, 2026