Why Protecting Property Matters More Than Protecting Women and Girls

updated 9/2025

From utility scams to home invasions, society warns us to stay vigilant. But when women and girls raise concerns about their safety, they’re silenced and shamed.

People ask strange questions about sexual violence—questions they would never dream of asking about other crimes like robbery or assault.

Consider this:

When women and girls say they were stalked, harassed, or assaulted by a man pretending to be someone he’s not, people ask:
“Why would he go to the trouble of pretending to be a woman just to stalk or rape you?” (playing dumb)

But no one asks:
“Why would he go to the trouble of pretending to work for the utility company just to break into your home and commit a home invasion?”

We all accept that criminals disguise themselves to get what they want. There are even public service announcements warning us about it.

• Customers are urged: “Always check the worker’s ID through a locked door or window.”

• Customers are encouraged to call the company and verify before letting anyone in.

No one gaslights homeowners for being cautious. No one shames them for questioning motives.

And yet, when women and girls voice concern about men entering their locker rooms, bathrooms, dormitories, or other private spaces, society calls them paranoid, hateful, or “overreacting.” That’s gaslighting. That’s silencing.

Another Example

No one asks:
“Why would he go to the trouble of pretending to be a lost stranger just to get you to pull out your phone to help with directions?”

Because we already know the answer: distraction is a tactic. While you’re kindly helping, he snatches your phone and runs.

We warn people about these schemes. Law enforcement issues bulletins. Media runs reminders:
“Protect yourself. Protect your property.”
We even have laws like “stand your ground,” empowering people to use force in defense of their belongings.

What This Reveals

The contrast is devastating. We invest in teaching people to protect property, but when women and girls seek to protect their bodies, their dignity, their very lives—we meet them with accusations and ostracism.

This reveals a truth humanity has lived with for centuries: protecting property has always been a higher priority than protecting women and girls. Tragically, this pattern holds even among women and girls who have been conditioned to doubt each other’s fears.