Assault, violence at the Moyie Mud Bog; bi-annual problem

I know I can count on two things every Mother’s Day weekend each year in Boundary County. First, that my husband will spoil me with love and my children will give me beautiful homemade cards from art class and shower me with tulips and lilacs (so carefully looted out of my very own flower beds.) Second, that a person, or persons will be a victim of violence or sexual assault while attending the bi-annual Moyie Mud Bog. The truly disturbing thing is this is not an isolated incident with a singular victim.

It happens every single year at both the spring and fall events to multiple people. More than 52% of all rape/sexual assault victims are females younger than 25. (http://www.bjs.gov/) I do not want the Moyie Mud Bog in anyway to be confused with the Mountain Mafia Off Road Park, and their owners who hold themselves to a high professional standard, and in popular opinion, are running a real class act revolving around families and some really remarkable and ingenious rigs.

After working as an advocate for victims of violence and sexual assault one begins to see an ill-fated pattern. I have to believe preemptive awareness is powerful and information prevents much ignorance. I am certain we could prevent some instances of violence and sexual assault in this community by broadening our awareness.

Here are ways community members can stay safe at the bi-annual Moyie Mud Bog or anyplace else by implementing these suggestions.

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) suggest the following: Keep an eye on your friends. If you are going out in a group, plan to arrive together and leave together. If you’re at an event, check in with your friends during the day/night to see how they’re doing. Know what your drinking. Consider avoiding large-batch drinks like punches or “jungle juice” that may have a deceptively high alcohol content or may contain an illicit drug. There is no way to know exactly what was used to create these drinks. Be aware of sudden changes in the way your body feels and do not accept drinks from people you don’t know or trust. Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or worried for any reason, don’t ignore these feelings. Go with your gut. Get somewhere safe and find someone you trust or call law enforcement. One of the most effective methods of preventing sexual assault is bystander intervention. Bystanders might be present when sexual assault or violence occurs—or they could witness the circumstances that led up to these crimes. Stepping in may give the person you’re concerned about a chance to get to a safe place or leave the situation. You don’t have to be a hero or even stand out from the crowd to make a big difference in someone’s life. Take steps to protect someone who may be at risk in a way that fits your comfort level. The only person responsible for committing these violations is a perpetrator, but we have the ability to look out for each other’s safety. Whether it’s giving someone a safe ride home from a party or directly assisting a person who is threatened, anyone can help prevent violence or sexual assault. Whether or not you were able to change the outcome of the situation, by taking action you are helping change the way people think about their roles in preventing violence and sexual assault. (https://rainn.org)

Women & Families Center (WFC) lists these ways to prevent violence and sexual assault on a more collective level: Do not blame rape victims or battered individuals for the violence perpetrated against them. Teach everyone you know about the myths and realities of violence and sexual assault. Interrupt jokes that promote violence. Recognize that violence and sexual assault will not end until both men and women together become part of the solution. (https://www.womenfamilies.org)

And for those of you who aren’t clear on the matter, here are some examples of what consent or permission to engage in sexual activity really looks like: Explicitly agreeing to certain activities, either by saying “yes” or another affirmative statement, like “I’m open to that.” Wearing certain clothes, flirting or kissing does not constitute consent to anything more. A person who is incapacitated due to drugs or alcohol cannot consent. An individual who has been pressured by someone by using fear or intimidation cannot consent. The legal age for consent in Idaho is 18 years of age. This means anyone under 18 is legally unable to consent to sexual activity. It is very important to understand that silence is not consent.

You can withdraw consent at any point if you feel uncomfortable. It is important to clearly communicate to the other participant that you are no longer comfortable with this activity and wish to stop. The best way to ensure both parties are comfortable with any sexual activity is to talk about it.

Changing the way communities and societies view violence, sexual or otherwise takes great passion, an unshakable stand on what you know and believe in, and courage to extend facts about violence and sexual assault. To do so is rewarding, satisfying and deeply moving. One of our greatest duties as connected individuals is to spread information through any means available with the hope someone somewhere will read or hear what is being said and share or apply the information and an act of violence or sexual assault may be prevented.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of violence or sexual assault, or if you would like more information please call Boundary County Victim Services, 24/7 on our information and crisis hotline at 208-267-5211.

Our office is located in the basement of the courthouse and our hours are 9:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday.