rape stats?

[jaytro4]

Hey all,
my mother is convinced that if I take a ride from the airport to burning man, the person going is going to rape me. does anyone know statistics of sexual assault, theft, and other crime at Burning Man? I always err on the side of trusting people and thinking that people are good, she's pretty much the opposite... it would be good to have some numbers to throw in her face
thanks

[International Incident]

Tell your mum you are sensible and will get a ride "through the nice people who match burners with rides". She will think that since someone is in charge(?) her precious baby will be ok!

I travel o/s on my own to some really sketchy places ....my mum panics I tell little tales to make her feel better ..... so many lies that I struggle to remember them.

[Igneouss]

Jaytro,
The afterburn reports on the BM web site have a section that discusses these things.
The take-away is that there are risks to attending Burning Man. BUT that those risks are generally lower than similar large events.

Common sense wins the day. Be alert and use common sense and it is very unlikely that you will have a problem.

I believe that there are buses that run from Reno to BM. Also, BM has a reception desk at the airport during the event. Make sure you check in there and see what they can do to guide you safely.

Cheers

[AntiM]

No buses, the ones which ran didn't have the correct permits/licenses and got shut down.

[Igneouss]

Thanks AntiM,
I didn't know that. Seems like an opportunity for an entrepeneur.

[Ugly Dougly]

Your mom has some pretty kinky fantasies.

[MyDearFriend]

Your mom has some pretty kinky fantasies.

Yup. Mine too.

Jaytro4, the 2010 AfterBurn report (located here) lists 4 sexual assaults during the week, for a city of, what, 54,000? I don't know how your Mom's community compares with that.

[jojofroyo]

Jay

Not knowing if your a dude or a chick,here is what you should tell your mom: You cant rape the willing. If they try just go with the flow then it will be ok!
But I think number of rapes that happens on the way to Burning Man is some where between -6 and .2! I mean from Reno to BRC is only a 1.5 hour drive.
and on the way back they would probably just kidnap you. (I dont think they have statistics on that.)
Hah you will be fine!

[Ugly Dougly]

Stun guns can be most effective, seriously.

[Savannah]

Hey all,
my mother is convinced that if I take a ride from the airport to burning man, the person going is going to rape me. does anyone know statistics of sexual assault, theft, and other crime at Burning Man? I always err on the side of trusting people and thinking that people are good, she's pretty much the opposite... it would be good to have some numbers to throw in her face
thanks

Post on the rideshare board and list a preference for a woman/women/mixed groups as a woman yourself.
http://rideshare.burningman.com

Or if you're visiting the rideshare desk at the Reno airport because you don't manage to find one ahead of time, mention your safety concerns to the desk people, and they will try to match you with someone you're not uncomfortable around.

And of course, listen to your gut.

[Sic Pup]

Refer her to this year's theme.

[Savannah]

[Sic Pup]

Oops ..... after I hit submit I thought that might be taken in more than one way.

Trust me, I meant the other one.

[BBadger]

Just make sure the van you're traveling in doesn't have shag carpet and red lights on the inside. I know that'll limit your choices to about 2-3 from a few hundred, but better safe than sorry right?

[Irreverent Moniker]

Just make sure the van you're traveling in doesn't have shag carpet and red lights on the inside. I know that'll limit your choices to about 2-3 from a few hundred, but better safe than sorry right?

if it does, you're either going to be raped or you're going to solve a mystery with 4 rambunctious kids and a wise cracking dog

[illy dilly]

When are you flying in?
I know a gal flying in on Wednesday. Sadly, she can't get their earlier.
I trust her a hell of a lot, cause shes my sister.

And if for some reason she did rape you, she'd probably go ahead and throw in a pelvic exam while she's at it.

[Charlie Parker]

if it does, you're either going to be raped or you're going to solve a mystery with 4 rambunctious kids and a wise cracking dog

Don't you mean 4 meddling kids?

[Irreverent Moniker]

if it does, you're either going to be raped or you're going to solve a mystery with 4 rambunctious kids and a wise cracking dog

Don't you mean 4 meddling kids?

good call, I couldn't remember what the criminals always called them

[gyre]

I carry the pepperblaster, in addition.
It seems very reliable.

It might make your mom feel better.

Nevada reciprocates on most carry permits too.

Be sure to pay attention to the airline protocols.


There is rape, not all reported.
I think it is fairly low for a party event.

[Elderberry]

If your mom is into anecdotal stories, I've been going for five or six years and have never been raped.

[essjay]

Nevada reciprocates on most carry permits too.

Where will she store the gun? Are you suggesting that she should bring a gun on the playa?

[gyre]

People that carry know how and where they can legally store guns when they need to.
Many places in nevada specialize in storing california guns already.

It is particularly important to follow airline rules when transporting firearms though.

The pepperblaster is treated as aerosol tear gas, but airlines no doubt have rules about that also.
The pepperblaster has no aerosol pressure, but that may not be recognized.

[International Incident]

How did this turn into guns?
meh... I love thread drift.

Send your mum a text with the licence plate number of the car you are going in - for some reason that seems to placate mothers

Doc is giving me a lift - I thought about showing mum his picture as she is concerned about me wandering off into the desert with a bunch of people I have never met .... decided against that.... probably make her more worried

[Elderberry]

That's sort of funny.

How did this turn into guns?
meh... I love thread drift.

Send your mum a text with the licence plate number of the car you are going in - for some reason that seems to placate mothers

Doc is giving me a lift - I thought about showing mum his picture as she is concerned about me wandering off into the desert with a bunch of people I have never met .... decided against that.... probably make her more worried

[FIGJAM]

Beware, Doc is a true running dog capitalist.

[Savannah]

How did this turn into guns?
meh... I love thread drift.

Send your mum a text with the licence plate number of the car you are going in - for some reason that seems to placate mothers

That's a good idea. If one has even the slightest worry, you might even let them see you snapping the photo and sending it. "For my Mom," you say, with a smile. It's not enough to have done it, they should know you did it. If that feels offensive under the circumstances, you don't have to cop to snapping the pic unless things get weird.

I recently read about a sex worker who avoided death by telling a guy she'd texted his license plate to her boyfriend (she had). The guy who tortured her is being held without bail.

http://www.kirotv.com/news/27610303/detail.html

[Turnip]

Is this a fucking joke.

[Savannah]

Nope. But I avoid making people feel uncomfortable by not hitch-hiking.

[Puckmaster]

Funny thing about stun guns and pepper spray in small enclosed spaces......if they r touching you when you hit them with the stungun you will get zapped too....as for pepper spray think splash back...oww just my 2 cents

[gyre]

Pepper in an enclosed area is something to consider, but you shouldn't be using any weapon without good cause.
Would be more of an issue with the pepperblaster, due to power, I would imagine.

Being capable of defending yourself is part of life, not an afterthought.


I always send info about anyone I'm riding with, especially strangers, and not just a plate.
Either giving a ride or getting one, it's not a bad idea.
There isn't just crime, but also accidents.
The info should be somewhere.