Early Wednesday morning (May 23rd), there was an attempted assault on 16th Street (between 4th and 5th Avenues). This incident is part of a larger pattern of violence in our community. Fortunately, neighbors were willing to help.
What you can do to help prevent violence
Intervening shouldn't compromise your safety. If you see or hear harassment, assault, or any other forms of violence happening, remember you have lots of options:
- Ask for help (alert others in the area, call 911)
- Create a distraction by spilling your drink or yelling
- Check in with the victim directly if there are safety concerns
While a victim of assault is never at fault, there are a few things anyone can do to reduce their risk:
- Try and be aware of your surroundings
- Try to walk with a friend
- If possible, walk in well lit areas
- Don’t wear headphones while walking or jogging
- If possible, walk in areas where there is a lot of foot traffic or establishments open late at night so you have a safe place to get help
- Avoid passing too close to big bushes, dark doorways, or alleys
There are services that can help you:
- Safe Slope volunteers offer Safe Walks to women and LGBTQ folks in South Slope, Windsor Terrace, and Sunset Park on Thursdays (8:00pm-1:00am); Fridays and Saturdays (8:00pm-3:00am). Please send us an email (safeslope @ gmail.com), text us (347-709-8852), or leave us a voicemail (347-709-8852) by 6:00pm of the night you need a walk to request a walk. Please go to www.safeslope.org for more details.
- RightRides offers free, safe, late-night rides home citywide to women, LGBTQ and genderqueer individuals on Friday and Saturday nights (midnight-3:00AM). Call(718) 964-7781or (888)215-SAFE (7233).
- Brooklyn Bike Patrol offers walks home to women in many Brooklyn neighborhoods on Sunday-Thursday (8:00pm-midnight) and Friday-Saturday(8:00pm-3:00am). Call 718-744-7592 or email rocket55j @ aol.com or brooklynbikepatrol @ gmail.com.
- visit http://www.safeslope.org for a list of additional resources. Please email Safe Slope (safeslope @ gmail.com ) if you are interested in volunteering with us.
flyer produced by Safe Slope
May 25, 2012
