<p>There’s a good possibility that I may move to North Dakota this summer to work on the rigs. While I’m not terribly concerned about the physical demands of the job, some people in my program have warned me that the rates of sexual assualt in the industry are ridiculously high since many of the people who work on the rigs are young, overly macho men, living in areas with few women or entertainment venues. Given that I am like most people and would prefer to not be assaulted, does anyone have suggestions for how to prevent such events beyond the obvious don’t drink to excess? I posted in this in the parents cafe since I figured you guys might have more experience with this than most on CC. </p>
<p>Oh and apologies for any typos. I suck at typing from my phone.</p>
<p>I’m as anti-gun as one can be, but if what you say is accurate, I’d be armed at all times. If that’s not allowed, I’d make sure I mastered a self defense course before arriving on the job site and I’d carry mace always. It sounds like a wretched environment for a woman–I hope the pay is worth it. You literally couldn’t pay me enough.</p>
<p>The buddy system may help, if you have some classmate buddies that can hang out with you and all of you sticking together, especially when socializing. This helps in other situations and I would suspect it would help in this type of situation as well (no personal experience, sorry).</p>
<p>Building off of this, it looks like North Dakota does not reciprocate California’s CCWs but does Oklahoma’s. So if you can get one from Oklahoma that should work. However, I don’t know if you’ll be allowed to carry firearms to work. I know the company I’m working for has signs on every door that say you can’t bring firearms inside. You should ask your employer.</p>
<p>In CA it’s ridiculously difficult to get a CCW permit. When I lived in GA, the local Walmart had a sign that indicated that people with a CA ID couldn’t purchase a gun. I assume it’s the same in Oklahoma although I could be mistaken. Fortunately, my drivers license is expiring soon, which means that I could just renew it with the OK DMV, and thus have a much easier time obtaining a weapon (btw, I’m also anti-gun in most cases and have deliberately avoided target ranges). </p>
<p>
No arguments there. However, this is an industry that I’d like to at least explore, and in many ways the job seems to fit my personality and interests. It also pays well which is a big plus. </p>
<p>HIMom, unfortunately I won’t know directly know any female although I would try to connect with the few women out there. From what I’ve seen in Oklahoma, women in these types of industries tend to stick together, so it might be easy to find someone to socialize with.</p>
<p>Do you have any MALE buddies that can see you in a “sisterly” fashion and protect you in any manner? </p>
<p>I’d be very concerned about the possibility of explosion if you use a firearm near oil. Sounds like a BAD idea. If you are not prepared to and WELL TRAINED to use it, it will most likely be used against you. Even mace or pepper spray may require a permit to be carried or use. </p>
<p>I strongly advocate taking a self-defense class. Also, watch your beverages, as people can slip a drug into any open beverage–some are very nasty and can render you paralyzed and unable to resist and sometimes remember.</p>
<p>Are any men that you know and get along with going to get a job in the same oil rigs? Male buddies can be invaluable cover and help with safety in numbers. My D was the only female in a lot of poker games among HS friends–not the same, but she was treated like a favored mascot.</p>
<p>Would it be possible to develop a list in your mind of subtasks you’d decline if assigned? </p>
<p>Is there any wisdom to be gained from contacting women’s support leaders in other industries where this is a large problem, for example in the military or among subcontractors in Iraq and Afghanistan?</p>
<p>A hard chat with someone who works in domestic violence in any U.S. city might provide some strategies on assault that may apply in your remote setting. You might tap into the D.V. Division of a police force here, or contact the Social Work department of a large city hospital to see if they will talk with you now. Ask them for strategies.</p>
<p>Can you keep a dog in this job? At your age I moved to a dangerous neighborhood as a petite single woman. It was all I could afford. I adopted a German Shepherd mix breed, took two obedience training courses with him, and leash walked him crisply all around the neighborhood before and after each workday. Nobody ever bothered me, perhaps because all knew I had this dog.</p>
<p>I agree with Hunt. I know a female petroleum engineer who has worked for years in Alaska, and she has never encountered any problems. Be aware of your surroundings and try not to be alone at night.</p>
<p>It is always wise to keep you wits about you. Which means you should refrain from drinking or using other substances to excess, and always exercise caution in your conduct and demeanor.</p>
<p>In my mind this job would not be worth taking, even for a million $$, I would not take it, period. Too much risk. This is my normal business risk / benefits analysis. I always approach everything in life from risk / benefits analysis. I have taken many risks in my life, hugely more than average person and at the level that most would not dare. I would not take this job, period, I rather starve.</p>
<p>whenhen doesn’t actually know that the risks are significant–it’s just hearsay at this point. Perhaps there is some research you can do to see if there is any truth to it.</p>
<p>Using your risk / benefit analysis then, MiamiDAP, I can only assume you have (or would have) advised your daughters (if you have them) NOT to attend college then, since these places seem to have some of the highest rates of sexual assualt and violence against women. </p>
<p>Does the OP have a right to be concerned about the situation? Certainly. But like I’ve told my daughter and the women I commanded in Iraq, “Use your head. And if that doesn’t work use your feet” (as in leave, or aim a kick at the groin). Lots of sound advise here already given on how to avoid the situation. But what you are calling for is for all women to live in fear and limit their opportunities, which I am just a tad hestitant to endorse…</p>
<p>Don’t be an obvious target. Dress and behave in a businesslike/workmanlike, confident manner. If someone comes on to you, turn them down politely but coolly. Avoid bars or drinking at parties. Avoid social situations where you are alone with men or all-male groups, especially those who have been drinking. Find something else to do for fun.</p>
<p>Ditto above. I think it is possible to work in a largely all-male environment and still have the respect of your co-workers, and have them see you as just a co-worker, friend, or sister.
Don’t send mixed signals, watch topics of conversation, don’t flirt. Dress modestly. Stay sober. Just behave in a professional manner. Find some like-minded friends that you can socialize with in a group.
When I was young, I had several jobs in all-male, or largely male, environments–car dealer, construction company, industrial supply company. I was the ONLY female (and I was an attractive female, if I do say so myself )working for the construction company in an unfinished building. I put up with a little teasing, but the men were mostly protective/big-brotherly. I wonder if the threat is exaggerated. I certainly would NOT recommend carrying a gun!</p>
<ol>
<li> What Consolation said</li>
<li> Take a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) course and stay current with your skills. No doubt there is one at your university or in your community. It is FANTASTIC. And it’s short, to the point.</li>
<li> If you love dogs, the large, well-trained dog idea is a great one, and make sure everyone knows about it.</li>
<li> What Consolation said, again.</li>
<li> from HiMom: Also, watch your beverages, as people can slip a drug into any open beverage.<br></li>
</ol>
<p>Always use your head, never forget. And, live way under your means, try to save every penny of your substantial salary, that way you’ll feel like it was all worth it! Good luck!</p>
<p>To complement the R.A.D. course, try to get fit. Add some weight training to your workout routine so youll have some strength in your punch, block and kick when it is needed. Incorporate running, sprinting, or jogging to your workout so youll hopefully have the speed and endurance to outwit and outlast an attacker.</p>
<p>Assuming no guns or other ranged weapons are involved, being able to run faster means that you can fight just enough to get out of reach, then run away. If you are slower, then your only options are fighting to defeat or submitting and being a victim.</p>
)working for the construction company in an unfinished building. I put up with a little teasing, but the men were mostly protective/big-brotherly. I wonder if the threat is exaggerated. I certainly would NOT recommend carrying a gun!</p>