Last Wednesday provided a scene-setter for the start of this year’s campus weirdness: The masturbator struck again. Police officials say the newest installment of masturbation-mania waxes of the 2002 exposure spree, but we are aren’t jumping to any conclusions. After all, you can never be too sure about people these days.
Amid the giggles that the headline — and the issue itself — probably invoked around the community, we urge those who don’t take it seriously to remember that it is, in fact, a very serious issue for a couple of important reasons.
First, simply because this man has selected indecent exposure and sexual harassment as his weapon of choice doesn’t mean he isn’t potentially dangerous. One can assume given the circumstances of his crime that he has some issues, and we would guess that in his mind, moving from exposure to attack may not be a far leap. Considering that “the masturbator” seems to primarily invade the privacy and homes of females, we fear the day that he walks in to see a woman alone and vulnerable for attack. What if the woman was getting out of a shower and was only partially dressed? Would the man decide then was a good time to escalate his crime? Would this be a situation where the woman could successfully defend herself?
The masturbator, despite his snide nickname, should be taken seriously, and intensive steps should be taken to ensure his timely arrest. University senior Kristi Kraus, one of the victims of the latest exposure, made an excellent point when she said this man, who gains enjoyment from scaring females, could easily morph into someone more dangerous.
Second, we’re assuming that the four girls who found the strange man in a Halloween mask standing in their kitchen masturbating didn’t find it very humorous. If the perpetrator is in fact the same man who struck in 2002, he has graduated from masturbating in front of windows to trespassing into private homes. This in itself should send warning signs to the community: This man is not only sick, but willing to take risks such as walking through unlocked doors into private residences.
These recent events should remind all students that caution is the best policy, even in a town like Eugene where violent crime is relatively uncommon. Women are the primary target for sex crimes, and thus female students should always be aware of their surroundings. The University offers a new shuttle service that can safety transport students home at night (contact Assault Prevention Shuttle at 346-RIDE). The Department of Public Safety can also be an excellent escort to other on-campus locations at the wee hours of the night, but DPS escorts depend on availability of on-duty personnel (call 346-5444 for information). Traveling in groups is also a safe way to get around, and well-lit areas are better than dark surroundings, such as alleys.
Women or men who have a run-in with the campus masturbator or any other perpetrator should try to memorize any specific details about the person so police can get an accurate description.
Victims of sexual harassment and other sex crimes who are suffering from emotional trauma can contact Sexual Assault Support Services at 484-9791. The non-profit support service offers a 24-hour crisis line.
Recent incidents prove cautious behavior is best
Daily Emerald
October 19, 2003
0
More to Discover