Editor's note: Given the not-unreasonable concern for her safety, we've withheld the letter writer's name. We hope her words add to the ongoing discussion of issues centered around fostering a community where all can feel, and be, safe.
BRATTLEBORO-I have been on the receiving end twice this month of threatening behavior by erratic white men, either outside my house or right nearby, after dark. Both incidents scared me so much I could barely speak above a whisper.
Recently, I went out on foot after dark for the first time in several years, and I'm not sure I'll do it again: This town feels so unsafe now, more even than before.
In her Viewpoint, Hannah Sorila calls Brattleboro a business with a community problem. However, when I don't feel safe being outside after dark, that impacts my sense of community. It limits my interactions not only with businesses (e.g. the Brattleboro Food Co-op, the Latchis, and restaurants) but also activities, such as evening events at Brooks Memorial Library and 118 Elliot, yoga classes at the Heart Rose Club, and also just walks around the neighborhood, looking at the night sky.
I bought a canister of mace at Brown & Roberts - and it pisses me off that I have to protect myself in that way and also for having to spend $17.11 that could have been a donation to an organization such as Groundworks or the Women's Freedom Center.
I requested that my name be withheld because I don't think my name matters: I'm not the only person, certainly not the only woman, who feels uneasy in this town. I also don't want any attention coming to me because of it, which shows you how wary I feel about the energy here.
This isn't about blaming drug users or panhandlers or homeless people, and I don't have any creative solutions; but I think it's important to voice what it feels like to live here. (And yes, I have looked for out-of-town living options and there's pretty much nothing either available or affordable.)
I want to add that I am incredibly grateful for the rapid and kind response to my 1:20 a.m. 911 call - and I don't think a greater police presence is a viable solution, because they can't be everywhere all the time.
Name Withheld
Brattleboro
Editor's note: Given the not-unreasonable concern for her safety, we've withheld the letter writer's name. We hope her words add to the ongoing discussion of issues centered around fostering a community where all can feel, and be, safe.
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