You asked for it. That skater skirt you wear with no pantyhose underneath means you asked for it. The eyeliner, mascara, and foundation you use to cover your face means you asked for it. That’s confusing though, right? Television shows and magazines tell you what men want. Don’t forget about those crop tops you wear. That is also asking for it. But if you don’t wear that crop top, you don’t fit in. If you don’t fit in, you get bullied. Somehow bullying is worse than rape because when someone forces himself on you for wearing that crop top, you at least fit in. It doesn’t matter how old you are either. Young or old, you’re asking for it. You’re told to keep your legs closed, but you did keep them closed.

       You’re sitting on the train, your legs exposed, your legs crossed. You’re doing what you were told to do, but that doesn’t stop him from rubbing his hands over  your thigh, eventually inside your skirt. It’s only you and the man on the train. He pulls your underwear down and spreads your legs out. All the while he is doing this to you, you are telling him no. You are screaming for help, but that doesn’t stop him from hurting you. Now his pants are down, and he is inside you. You are stiff, no words or screams coming out because you finally realize no help is coming.

       You tell your parents. Instead of them asking if you are OK, they say, “Were you drinking?”

       They say, “Was that really what you were wearing?”

       A police officer tells you, “Well you have to understand that your skirt was a little too tight and small.”

       You stare at him in disbelief. He is saying you asked for it. You got on that train with the intention to let a man violate you. That “too tight and small” skirt you were wearing with the oversized sweater was letting every man know it was OK to violate you, even if you say no. What you wear is much stronger than the words you say. Now you throw out any piece of clothing that would make you look like you’re asking for it. You are covered from head to toe, but not even wearing a Burka will protect you. If he wants it, he gets it. You know why? Because you asked for it.