Concern for women’s safety is at an all-time high following the death of Samyia Spain, a teen girl who was stabbed to death by a man she rejected in Brooklyn.

19-year-old Samyia Spain and her twin, Sanyia Spain, were in Natural Plus deli in Park Slope when 30-year-old, Veo Kelly, approached and made advances towards them. 

Kelly and the group of men surrounding him had been extremely drunk. Following the rejection, Kelly had become aggressive and was removed from the store by employees. Once the twins went outside, Kelly attacked both, slashing Sanyia in the arm and Samyia in the chest, killing her. 

As Samyia’s family mourns, it has never become more clear that protection over women is a severe issue. When the word “no” comes out of anyone’s mouth, it should be respected. 

How are women supposed to navigate freely through this system? As well as that, women are unable to carry protection because it does not align with the legality of New York State; only those 18 and older can carry pepper spray, but what about protection for younger teens? 

This news is not the only addition to the raging question of women’s safety. Many women in New York City have been attacked by men. So far, about seven women have come out on TikTok sharing their experiences. All of those women had been punched in their faces, unprovoked by random men who had been walking by. 

TikTok influencer Halley McGookin had been assaulted by a man near West 16th Street and 7th Avenue, and shared her experience on March 25. Since then, multiple women have surfaced with similar stories. 

The underlying question of these tragedies has yet to be answered: How do we protect women? Until the question can be answered in full, give women a platform to express their feelings in a world that does not protect them. Check on the women who are in your life and encourage them to share their locations for their safety. If they are 18 or older, give them pepper spray to carry on themselves. 

To women, be aware of your surroundings. Try to travel in groups and keep all those you trust updated on your whereabouts. And most importantly, stay safe.

Photo by: Keira Burton via Pexels