Stop Street Harassment

Making Public Spaces Safe and Welcoming

Taking down a public masturbator in a McDonald’s

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I was sitting in a McDonald’s with a younger female friend and two tables over I noticed a young man in oversized clothing leering at us. There were no other people in this section of the restaurant. We tried to ignore him, and then I noticed out of the corner of my eye some repetitive movement. I realized he was masturbating as he leered at us.

I looked straight at him and said, “Stop that right now! That is not okay!”

He said, “I’m not doing anything” and went to the bathroom. I notified the manager on duty, and called the police to report the incident. I’m glad I reported it, and I’m glad I was an example to my younger friend – she seemed scared at first, but was impressed that I took action.

– Anne

Location: McDonald’s, White River Junction, Vermont

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Comments

  1. Kate says

    The exact same thing happened to me and a friend in McDonalds, although once we noticed him and got up to leave he ran out of the resteraunt. Looking back I really wish I had reported him, but my friend and I were too shaken up and just wanted to forget the incident all together. Well done for standing up for yourself.

  2. Lucy says

    Well done you! That was a perfect response. Stories like this give me hope! Thank you for sharing & thank you for taking him down!

  3. Anne says

    I think it was easier for me to say something because the man was younger than I (in early 20’s). I hope I would have done the same if he was an older, stronger man, but I don’t know. It was so gross, I was shocked at first, but then I got some strength because I was so angry that he felt entitled to violate us like that.

    Too bad the police didn’t do anything. It still needs to be reported – the more we stand up to street harassment, the more pressure there will be for our public officials to address it. It is okay for us to DEMAND that our public places are welcoming and safe for all.