I read with sadness, disgust and anger that yet another female runner has been victimized and killed doing the thing she loves.
I am a runner, and my four daughters, who love the sport, have excelled in it since junior high school. In addition to working on conditioning, wearing the right shoes and scheduling running times, we all have had to be aware of the elephant in the room — the male monsters who prey on women doing nothing more than running, keeping active and healthy, reaching goals and enjoying the outside.
Since I can remember, the onus has been on female runners to run during the day, let others know their route, bring their phones, run with a buddy, stay alert, bring pepper spray and fight back. The list goes on. Laken Riley, 22, followed the regimen to a T. But as one news outlet callously reported, her victimization was reduced to a crime of opportunity as a pitiful excuse for a person to attack and kill her. Reports detail that the attack suspect did not know Riley. He lived near the trail and reportedly accosted her as she ran by. We all need to be outraged. Her attacker robbed Riley of her dreams, her parents and friends of her presence, and all of us of our freedom to enjoy the outdoors at any time we choose.
The horror is that this is, by far, not the first case. Too many women running and walking have been physically harmed by men for no apparent reason other than being a “crime of opportunity.” When an attack occurs, there is outrage and more tips on running safety and self-defense. But soon it’s off the front pages and media screens, and the public forgets. But female runners never forget; the fear lingers as we, our daughters, sisters and friends run the streets, parks and woods in broad daylight and in the evening. Half of our population are potential victims and, if assaulted, are scrutinized as to whether they did everything to avoid the attack. Victimizing victims again is unconscionable.
According to a survey conducted by athletic apparel company Adidas, 92% of female runners have safety concerns while running outdoors. The intimidation is verbal, as well as physical. Many of us also have had to endure the catcalls and remarks of men exercising their masculinity while we are running. It is not warranted nor is it appropriate and only heightens anxiety during what should be a stress reliever. The Adidas survey also showed that 53% of the women who experienced harassment reported severe anxiety after the incident — 46% of them lost interest in running.
Until these atrocities end, and they must, I agree all women must be vigilant. But we all need to explore the root of these crimes. These men are exerting physical power over women. We see this in homes, workplaces and the streets of our hometowns.
As an armchair psychologist, I cannot help but think this phenomenon involving a minority of men can be addressed and possibly corrected at an early age by parents, teachers and mental health professionals. It is not OK for a boy to tease and physically push a girl for any reason, and it is not OK for a teacher or parent to say, “Oh, it’s his way of saying he likes you,” or “Boys will be boys.” No one ever has the right to invade another’s space, and it is up to us to instill this message in all children.
As we mourn Riley, and all those before her, we must keep their legacies alive and ensure a time will come when all our population can run free without fear.
Joanne Ropiak Leahy is a retired health care marketer living in Naperville.
