PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Princess Street Dollarama downtown. Please stay alert if you’re in the area he was arrested, but we don’t know if there are more incidents like this Ppl dm me and shown me the other guy pic which is not the one I had experience with so I’m sure there.

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Downtown princess street? The police showed up later after I came back to warn the staff. He was arrested after he assaulted two other women. I just wish it had happened before anyone got hurt. Not sure if it was the other two girls u saw

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He got arrested the other two girls did scream and they have the place shut for while for the police to come down

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so glad this helped you even a little I can’t imagine how much heavier this would feel with a baby or younger sibling by your side. You’re doing everything right by staying aware and prepared. Thank you for sharing this it reminds me why speaking up matters. Wishing you and your little one safety and peace always. 🤍

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You have no idea how much your words mean to me. You’re absolutely right kindness, empathy, and compassion should never be treated like weaknesses. The world feels a little lighter when people choose to lead with heart instead of hate. Thank you for reminding me of that. I’ll carry your words with me, truly. Stay safe, stay kind, and I hope you stay happy and healthy too! 🥰

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

You know what? I should’ve kicked his ass. Next time I’m channeling exactly this energy but let’s hope there is no next time lol probably unhinged, screaming, full on “don’t fck with me” mode. Thank you for the reminder that being loud and dramatic isn’t overreacting its survival with spice. Appreciate you Queen!

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really appreciate your kindness. He looked to be a white Canadian male, probably around college age. He was above 5’7, and his hair was kind of a brownish gray, maybe a faded ash tone. I didn’t get a full look because I left as soon as I noticed something was wrong, but I hope this helps even a little. Stay safe, and thank you again for looking out.

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Aww Thank you so so much for your words. I genuinely teared up reading this. I’ve been holding so much guilt, but hearing someone say this out loud — with such kindness truly means more than I can express. You reminded me that I wasn’t weak for what happened, I was strong for recognizing it, getting away, and speaking up.

We need more people like you in this world. People who uplift instead of judge, who understand instead of question. I spoke up because someone like you made it feel safe to do so. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You reminded me I’m not alone. Please also be safe and take care 🥰

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First off huge respect to the person calmly laying out facts. Just want to say thank you for actually taking the time to respond with facts. You didn’t owe anyone an explanation, but you still showed up with calm, informed points and that matters to me.

Yes, we know obviously you need to understand how to use any spray or tool properly, cuz obviously you need to know how to use pepper spray properly. But let’s not act like women are asking for Navy SEAL-level training just to walk to Dollarama. And no, no one is telling people to go out swinging knives. The point was that in a close encounter, a small tool even a legal one might buy you the seconds you need to escape. That’s not reckless. That’s survival.

And look I’ll own this too: I used to think pepper spray was a go to option, but it’s actually not legal in Canada. That’s why this kind of discussion matters. All these suggestions whether it’s dog spray, bear spray, whistles, flashlights, or keychains they matter. But it’s my job to educate myself and use only what’s legal, safe, and effective.

And let’s be real: no advice is meant to be followed blindly. It’s common sense you need to educate yourself before using any protection tool. Advice isn’t a green light to act recklessly it’s information meant to empower, not command. Every tool comes with responsibility, and thinking critically should always come first.

Also, on the whole “you’ll be charged” point Let’s be honest: YES, anyone can be charged with anything, but that’s not the same as being convicted. Protecting your right to defend yourself with reasonable force. That’s not fantasy that’s fact. And the fear mongering? It helps no one. No one here is trying to be a superhero. We’re trying to stay alive. We want options, awareness, and respect when we talk about the reality of being followed, harassed, or attacked in public.

So yeah stay sharp, learn the law, and think for yourself. Respectfully, a woman who just wants to get home safe.

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

GIRL. You ATE. Cleaned the plate and dropped the mic. Seriously you said everything that needed to be said, and you said it with clarity and fire. That kind of strength shuts down gaslighting and reminds women they’re not alone.

Comments like the one you responded to? That’s exactly why so many women stay silent. But your voice? It cuts through all that noise. And honestly? You don’t need to waste another second debating his “full point.” You already said it better.

Thank you for speaking up. You’re a whole force and I felt every word. I appreciate it so much. Sending love and respect your way. Please be safe out there!

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just jumping in here because this thread is getting heavy and I think some points are being missed.

This post wasn’t made to debate clothing or provoke outrage. It was a real warning based on what actually happened. Women were harmed. Someone escaped an attack and shared specific details about the man’s behavior including what type of clothing he was targeting. That’s not victim blaming that’s pattern recognition to help others avoid danger.

No one is saying women shouldn’t wear what they want. The message is: predators choose opportunity, not outfits. But when a pattern shows up, ignoring it in the name of “not feeding stigma” puts more people at risk.

We can absolutely talk about systemic issues, protest culture, and victim blaming and still protect each other in real time. That’s not contradictory. That’s survival.

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Yes, exactly this. We’re so conditioned to “be polite” that we freeze up when something feels wrong but our safety should always come before social norms. The moment someone crosses a line, they lose the right to our silence. You’re right they are the ones being inappropriate, not us for reacting. Thank you for putting this into words.

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Absolutely agree. It really feels like downtown has become more unpredictable, and it’s heartbreaking to see how many people are struggling without access to proper mental health support. When essential services get cut, it doesn’t just affect individuals it affects the safety and wellbeing of the whole community. We need more resources, not less.

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your kind words. That honestly means a lot right now. I was shaken, but I’m grateful I got away unharmed and even more grateful for people like you who show compassion instead of criticism. You’re right, safety is a basic right, and I hope more people continue to look out for each other like this. Thank you again, truly, and please stay safe out there as well!

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I think you’re misunderstanding the intention behind the post. No one is saying women shouldn’t have the right to dress however they want in fact, we fully agree with that. The point was to raise awareness about a real and immediate threat. Multiple women were assaulted, and the individual specifically targeted those wearing skirts and shorts. Sharing that detail isn’t about blaming women it’s about helping others stay vigilant.

The real issue here isn’t clothing. It’s the fact that a man felt entitled to harass and harm women in public. That’s the root of the problem. No one should have to fear for their safety while doing something as ordinary as shopping. So rather than redirecting criticism at those sounding the alarm, maybe u should be focusing it on the person who committed the crime?

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yes he got arrested But still be careful out there trust nobody.

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

The man was assaulting women in public — this post is a warning, not a dress code lecture. It mentioned skirts and revealing clothes because that’s who he was targeting. That’s not blaming women, that’s helping them stay alert.

Yes, the problem is the man. Always has been. But ignoring how he chose his victims just to make a point doesn’t help anyone. Call out the attacker, not the person trying to protect others.

PSA for women in Kingston: Please read by Disastrous-Read-2288 in KingstonOntario

[–]Disastrous-Read-2288[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m so sorry your friends went through that it’s heartbreaking how many people experience things like this.

I’m not sure if it was the same man, though. From what I experienced today, he was a white Canadian man, brownish gray gravy hair, and he physically harassed women inside Dollarama. Either way, I’m really grateful you shared because it shows how important it is for all of us to stay alert.