---photos---dorothy-june-fraser---words---same lady---


(While I was writing this article I decided it will be the first in many installments of a weekly 'fuck you' to someone, something, gadget, doodad, concept- whatever that affects us here in the city. Unfortunately, this is more serious than I would like to start out with, but it needed to be brought to light)


I don’t write hard-hitting, "journamalistic" material usually. So, pardon me if I don’t throw in enough scare tactics, I am not CNN-trained.
I myself have not been going out too much of late, and now I am thinking it was perhaps preternatural gut feelings rather than financial and health-inspired hermitage. Why, you ask?
Well, in the past two weeks, five women I know or know of, have been drugged in bars about town. With the prospect of a serial attacker preying on people surrounded by friends and also on groups (yes, groups), I have no reason to go out and experience this wave of violence that seems to be hitting mostly in the DTES watering holes. The bars, specifically, to date, that I know of: Limerick Junction, Pub 340 and The Columbia.
Scary.
Talk about bad. This city, like others, has its obvious issues. In the area known as Greater Vancouver, we are usually in possession of the mantle of having the richest AND the poorest "per capita" communities in the country. What an honour. What a contrast, the city screams in juxtaposition We have drugs, we have gang violence and senseless death too. It's really how it goes, and the bigger we get, the stranger winds blow (...angel dust into your Jager).
I have been absolutely shocked at how many people in my circle of friends (they're probably in yours, too) have been out, enjoying themselves with friends, dancing, whatever we do.
Maybe standing around, having asymmetrical hair and scoffing. That's what I do most of the time.
Last week a guy was telling me it was great to have drinks bought for him and "be like a girl for a night". Uhm, no.
So, hopefully he doesn't get drugged and have to have a "realization", but seriously.
Well, folks, looks like this is our problem.
The police aren't usually on top of this kinda stuff. They don't have an amazing record of protecting women in the DTES, and besides, everything's equal now, right?
All women have to be worried about now is whether or not they'll be drugged, beaten, raped...or all three, round it out.
This is not to say only women face this problem, but in this instance, it seems the target is set upon the ladies. It's also NOT a priority of the VPD to protect the community of artists and otherwise "abnormal" folk who hang out in the areas we flock to, they don't even have the resources. How can we be safe without the fuzz? Take care. Of each other.
Be Human.
Warn your friends, forward them this article. Tell everyone to be on the LOOKOUT.



Talk. Like these people. It's up to us to protect ourselves.