It was around 9:30 p.m. when I pulled into the poorly lit Kroger parking lot. I walked inside and grabbed a dozen eggs and a gallon of milk. I headed to self-checkout and started to scan my items. About that time, a man strolled up to the machine next to mine. In my peripherals, I could see him turn to stare at me. I heard him purr under his breath, "mmm." I did my best not to provoke him, casually picking up my bags and starting for the exit. He hurried behind me, keeping about a four-foot gap between us. I quickened my pace and he kept stride with me. I fiddled with my keys to unlock my car quickly, glancing at the can of pepper spray I had on the end, contemplating how best to defend myself. He followed me all the way to the door of my car. I never once glanced around to look at him, because I was pretty sure that was the worst thing you could do. As soon as it was unlocked I ducked into my car and locked all the doors. He never once touched me, but he had every opportunity to. He stood outside my driver's side window, staring, until I put my car in reverse.

I wish I could say this was a rare occurrence. I have talked with many women about going in public alone at night. We all agree: It's terrifying.

I've shared this concern with my male friends and most of them are shocked. They have never seen such a thing happen. Never has a woman been approached like that when they were around. And I say, "Exactly."

Men don't witness this behavior because other men don't behave like this unless a woman is alone. She's easy prey. She is physically no match for him, so he can behave however he pleases. Terrifying.

Soon after I came to college, I discovered that there is no solution to this problem. I could take someone with me, but that's not always an option. Now, I don't go out after sunset. Even this hasn't eliminated frightening encounters with men.

This problem is rooted in our porn-addicted, over-sexualized culture. The lack of concern for the feelings of women or their safety is disconcerting. Sexual violence is far too common: We hear about women being abused all the time.

The terrifying fact is that our culture has allowed men to get so wrapped up in their own sexual fantasies, they feel entitled to my body if I so much as leave my home. The terrifying fact is that this happens all the time and it's still happening and nothing is changing. The terrifying fact is that there are parts of this world that are much, much worse and people are still claiming that women are treated equally in our society.

For the women who won't leave the house after 8 p.m., for the women who have to call someone to accompany them on a late night grocery run, for the women who lose their independence after dark, let's take a stand. Let's pledge to teach our sons how to be respectful. Let's pledge to be aware of our surroundings and stand up for those who are being threatened. Let's pledge to stand behind women when they say they feel uncomfortable with a situation. Let's pledge to treat women like people and not like pieces of meat.

The terrifying fact about being a woman after dark is that I am powerless without allies. Let's pray for Jackson. Let's pray for the world.