On October 22nd, a standout track athlete from the University of Utah, Lauren McCluskey, was murdered. Her ex-boyfriend, who had given her false information about his name, age, and even criminal background, abducted her from outside her apartment building and shot her in cold blood. The best part of all? She had reported his abusive actions before, and yet he still had the opportunity to get to her and do this.

This is just one of the hundreds, even thousands, of examples of things women today have to worry about. Not only do women have to be constantly aware of their own surroundings and be cautious when even choosing to end a relationship with someone, but we also have to worry about our pleads and reports not being taken seriously.

Lauren McCluskey had reported her ex-boyfriend to not only her university but to even the police. She knew she could not handle the situation on her own and never attempted to, she sought help as soon as she could. Yet, she never received it and instead had everything taken away from her.

McCluskey is not the first woman to have had something like this happen to her, and I am positive she will not be the last. Her death is a tragic thing, and it is horrible that something like this has to happen for people to actually pay attention to the things so many women face. If only someone would have intervened and done something, McCluskey may still be here, and that is important.

Being a woman today is difficult for so many reasons, and the recent death of Lauren McCluskey needs to make people realize just how dangerous being a woman is. When the figures we look at for help and guidance let us down, is it hard to feel safe. Something needs to be done before another casualty loses their life. Women's voices need to start being heard. Our lives matter too.