As a teenage girl I am used to street harassment on a small scale; catcalls, whistles, even sleazy chat-up lines. But last night I experienced something I never thought I’d have to deal with. I was walking along a dark road with two friends on the way to a club, we were walking arm in arm, chatting. This road has a short, wide tunnel and as we entered it a man walked into the other end. Being wary of anyone at that time of night I kept an eye on him. As soon as he noticed us he unbuckled his belt, dropped his trousers and started masturbating. I was really creeped out, but also angry. As we passed him on the pavement I looked him in the eye and said, ‘Seriously? You are ridiculous.’
He didn’t reply, but kept walking.
As my friends hadn’t noticed what had been going on I then proceeded to take the opportunity to tell them how pathetic (and also illegal) that is as we walked away. I emphasized each word so that it would echo in the tunnel.
I can’t believe anyone would do something like that. Being a regular reader of this site I know that many women have had much worse experiences, but one of my friends was quite disturbed by it. Something about the way the man acted was really sinister. I’m proud that I didn’t just look away and walk past. He deserved to know that what he was doing was disgusting.
– FT
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
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Beckie says
Wow. Very brave of you. I’m glad you didn’t just let him think that was okay.