The recent attacks on young women in Gilroy are a painful
reminder that sexual assault happens everywhere.
Dear Editor,
The recent attacks on young women in Gilroy are a painful reminder that sexual assault happens everywhere.
With the aftermath of these attacks comes fuller recognition that we are not impervious to violence. The fact that one of these attacks occurred in broad daylight and at public locations is a testament to our need for personal vigilance when it comes to the safety of ourselves and our children.
You can make efforts that will promote your safety. Empower yourself – take a self-defense class and don’t be afraid to fight back. In one of these cases, it made all of the difference.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts. If you are feeling unsafe or uncomfortable, it is probably for good reason. Realize that when it comes to personal safety, the boundaries set by politeness do not apply. This is especially important for children to understand as the majority of sexual assault victims know their attacker.
However, while there are such preventative measures that we can take to increase our safety, we must remember that the ability to eradicate this horrendous crime lies solely with the perpetrators. It is never the victim’s fault. No one deserves to be abused.
It has been our experience that the heightened media coverage of sexual-based crimes often causes other survivors to remember and relive their experiences. As such, we feel that it is important to let everyone know that Community Solutions offers supportive services to survivors of sexual assault, whether or not the crime was recent or occurred in years past, whether or not they have or want to report the attack to police. For all survivors and their families and friends, we are here for you, we believe you, and we can accompany you on your path to healing. Our Sexual Assault Services are free and completely confidential, and they are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
n Santa Clara County Rape Crisis Line: (408) 779-2115.
Perla Flores, Community Solutions
n Rich Knapp Will be Missed
Dear Editor,
I wish to express my congratulations to the first graduating class of Ann Sobrato High School and tip my hat to a man who wore many hats in making this school what it is today. That would be Sobrato’s retiring principal Rich Knapp. He was a principal, a teacher, a de factor facilities planner who stood tall when others might have wavered in opening the doors to our Bulldogs. And above all – he always reminded the Morgan Hill Unified School District Board of Trustees that education was “always about the students.” Thanks also to the greater community of Morgan Hill, the Sobrato family, Dr. McKennan and past school trustees Larry Carr, Susan Choi, John Kennett, Tom Kinoshita, Del Foster, Jan Masuda, Russ Danielson and Rick Herder for establishing another great high school traditions. Go Bulldogs!
