Rise in Assault at San Diego Comic Con

There is always news regarding assault, sexual harrassment, and comic con policies when it comes to any convention. This year at the San Diego Comic Con has most certainly raised some serious concerns as to the safety of all attendees. Despite claims of increased security and presence of local San Diego Police Department, incidents still occurred.

The most horrifying of incidents involved a female minor cosplayer attending the convention in celebration of her birthday. It was reported that after a disagreement, the victim ran off and was later discovered on the side of a road–unconcious and bloody. The victim’s friends and family reached out, along with the San Diego Harbor Police Department, to anyone with any information to contact them. The victim is listed in critical condition at a San Diego Hospital. The victim’s identity is being concealed since she is a minor.

Press Release from the San Diego Harbor Police Department:

Incident Type: Arrest

Incident Date/Time: July 27, 2014 1:15am

Location: 333 W Harbor DR.

Case #: 14-03122

Prepared by: Sergeant Todd Rakos

Harbor Police arrested a 29-year-old man early Sunday morning, July 27th in a hotel at 333 West Harbor Drive. He was booked into San Diego County Jail at 11:20 am on charges of sexual contact with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of minor. The victim, a juvenile female, was transported to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. The Harbor Police Investigations Unit is handling the incident. This investigation is ongoing.

We here at GameSkinny send our best wishes to the victim and her family for a full and speedy recovery.

This wasn’t the only assault out of SDCC either. Adrainne Curry was noted for coming to the aide of a friend and fellow cosplayer, Alicia Marie, after being assaulted by an attendee. As someone who frequents conventions, incidents such as these, concern me greatly. Why are we not safe? Why aren’t officials doing a better job at prevention?

All of this begs to question consent. A word that is becoming extinct for all intents and purposes. Since when has behavior such as these become the “norm?” Something needs to be done and it starts with each and every one of you.