New York Daily News
By Eboni K. Williams
August 16, 2022
Excerpt:
I love New York City. Truly. Since I relocated here eight years ago, the city has embraced me and I’ve embraced it, planting roots here as a homeowner. New York City is my home. For all its challenges, one of my favorite things about the city is its subway system: the convenience it offers, its legacy and connection to the city’s culture, and the way it brings us all together.
But recently, that changed for me.
One Saturday afternoon, I was approaching the No. 1 train when as soon as the train car doors opened, I noticed a man staring at me, and then following me along the platform. I moved further away, disengaging for my own safety. Despite his intimidating stare, I broke eye contact and tried to fade into the crowd. His gaze persisted and after chasing me for a while, he assaulted me from behind, hitting my buttock and knocking me to the platform.
I was shocked. In a city where I have generally felt safe, I am now another statistic of subway violence. A few bystanders moved to help me up, then went on with their journeys. My assailant ran off. Two MTA workers were nearby and witnessed the incident but took no action. As I collected myself, I was even more shocked, and upset, that I had been left there, feeling helpless and alone.
As a woman, I’m familiar with feeling unsafe. Most of us feel vulnerable from the minute we leave our homes, commute to work, run errands or do other countless simple acts that should not involve fear or feeling frightened and unsafe. Especially those of us who don’t get to live in white skin.
As a Black woman, I’m painfully familiar with my struggles being ignored and erased. But I was still hurt and frustrated that not one person moved to offer aid before or during my attack.
That’s not okay. I don’t want anyone else to experience the feelings I felt on that platform.
And we need to make sure that those experiencing violence have a place to turn to get the support they need. Safe Horizon, the nation’s largest victim’s services agency is a fantastic place to start. Our advocates are available and ready to listen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In these downright dangerous times, organizations like Safe Horizon are more important than ever, and need all our support.
I know together we can make sure New York stays the greatest city in the world.
Read the original article here.
Williams is an attorney and cast member on “The Real Housewives of New York City.” She is a member of the board of directors of Safe Horizon, the nation’s largest victim services agency.