"Wife drugged and raped by spouse"
"She was battered and assaulted"
"1/5 women in America are victims of domestic violence"

"Date rape on the rise"

Headlines. Headlines reappearing so frequently it seems they never disappeared. Headlines that permeate society so thoroughly that they become unnoticeable expectations. Headlines of rape, violence, assault ... headlines of a patriarchal society whereby the male is dominant and the woman is a weak and passive counterpart at the foot of the hegemonic hierarchy.

I feel angst swarm my insides while passing by a group of men. My head subconsciously lowers towards the pavement. I hold my breath, hoping no one cat-calls. They do. They think it is a mere game, but it degrades the woman as she is once again objectified. I feel their eyes burning through my chest, down my backside, my legs, then slowly crawling back up... venomous spiders deciding whether or not to bite. These stares, cat calls, whistles: so reoccurring, so routine, so derogatory. Over and over.

As young women, we are taught that the male species are our predators, robust with complete control. Total power.

As young women, we are socialized to believe that they are the dictators, leaving us the threatened peasants.

As young women, we must be cautious constantly.

… “Cover up!”

“Those shorts are very short!”

“Don't make eye contact!”

“Watch your drink and never put it down!”

“Don't get too drunk!”

“Stay with a friend!”

“Never go back alone!” …

The list continues. Do's and don'ts construct our actions to avoid becoming a victim.

When did this culture become valid? When did rape and assault become so normalized that it is now simply an expectation of daily life? I lack the answers or justifications to these questions. Regardless, these questions should never arise in the first place.

This hierarchy that forces women to bow down, take cover, and proceed with fear must be stopped.