Archives for January 2012

So my best friend and I decide to go have dinner on a Saturday night. The location of the restaurant is on a one-way street so we had to walk all the way to the main street to try to get a cab. We end up on Regent Street, crazy busy with people and cars getting ready for a night out. We felt ‘somewhat’ safe.

When we couldn’t catch a black cab (the equivalent of a yellow NYC cab), I suggest we call the cab company we always deal with to pick us up at a hotel near Bond Street, which is off Regent street. This was around midnight.

So as we were walking to the hotel, I called up the company. My friend and I stopped for a moment (in front of the hotel) while I gave out the pick up details. Suddenly this guy comes out of nowhere up to us (kind of tipsy, naturally) and literally stands so close to me that I didn’t even realise on the spot. He asks us for a cigarette and we reply politely ‘sorry we don’t smoke’. He then smiles, and pads my shoulder saying ‘oh that’s a shame. So what are you up to?’. The instant he touches me I immediately pull away to express my disgust (all of this while I’m still on the phone).

As I did that, he quickly retored, ‘you have flat asses anyway’ and he walks away. My best friend and I answer back, ‘well you have a flat face. Go make friends since you’re alone’. I finally hang up as we got into the hotel lobby and wait for our cab.

We couldn’t believe it. We were both shocked at how he approached us and came so close to me even though I was on the phone, and how he allowed himself to touch me. This isn’t the first time that this has happened to me. I know that wasn’t the best reaction we could’ve had. I pray that it doesn’t happen again but if it does, I won’t stay silent. I am tired of not answering back to give them what they deserve, just because I might embarrass my friends. Enough is enough. I’ve been silent for too long.

– Tan

Location: London, Mayfair

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Last night at around midnight I was driving home and my petrol light came on. I knew I wouldn’t have enough gas to make it all the way home so I had to stop in at a 24 hour gas station.

I get there and there are two car loads of drunk guys. I didn’t really notice they were talking to me till one smart guy calls out, “That’s a nice rectum you have there!”

I turned around mulling over potential responses, decided to go with a grimace and a brisk walk back to my car. They continued to call after me, remarks like, “Naw don’t be shy!”

I felt so unsafe!

– Anonymous

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

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Think street harassment only happens to hot, young women? Think again. I admit it has been awhile. I was thinking about what I was going to write about today. Then I went into a retail chain store during my morning round of errands so I was more or less off the street. I was wearing a cozy, soft faux-fur jacket. I felt a hand on my back. I turned. It was one of the clerks, a very young man. “Sorry,” he said, “your coat looked so nice, I just wanted to see what it feels like.”

I doubt he would have done that to a guy, even in a faux fur. I was a actually more amused than insulted, but I said, “You know, you could have asked. Some women might have been very offended. You need to be aware that technically what you just did was assault and battery!”

He apologized.

– MJS

Location: Inside a store

Share your street harassment story today and help raise awareness about the problem.
Find suggestions for what YOU can do about this human rights issue.