While street harassment is pretty common for me now (unfortunately), this situation continues to make me uncomfortable and is escalating into fear. This happens in many places, but mostly before or after school.
There is an older boy (a junior or senior) in my marching band that decided to hit on me last year. I told him to get lost, but he continues to hit on me even though I’ve made it clear I dislike him. He stares at me constantly, even when I’m not wearing anything flattering, follows me on occasion, messages me consistently, and tries to control me verbally. He started out trying to be nice, but his behavior has become more disturbing, his staring more obvious, and he’s becoming very verbally aggressive. While I could easily hold my own in a verbal battle, the fact that I am the only girl he hasn’t given up on and speaks to venomously is troubling for me. As he plays tuba, he could very easily outpower me (an alto saxophone player). I do not feel safe around the band at all, especially if he’s nearby.
I think it would be very helpful if the school would take it more seriously. People have put keys down my top during class and stared at my bust an entire class and the school didn’t do anything, even when I reported. It’s very disturbing.
– Anonymous
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
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rose says
I suggest you either bring in a parent or THREATEN (NOT say nicely) that you WILL report this as sexual abuse (it is) to the police and that you will continue to report it over and over until they do something about it if the school does not. Please try doing these things first before giving up. Look up a local paper and write it there. Maybe even the school one. Its better to get them miffed at you then to not draw attention to this issue.
beckie weinheimer says
Ask your school counselor if your school has a title nine representative, and if not say, we need one because my complaints of male harassment are not being adressed. And if this doesn’t work, write your school district superintendent and copy your school principle on it. This is serious, bad behavior and you should not have to put up with it. I guess the good news is the school year is voer and if he’s a senior he should be gone. But this is really bad and should not be tolerated by your school. I’ll b e happy to call your school and complain. Beckieweinheimer@gmail.com. Write me if you want me to talk to them. This really upsets me. I’m 54 and have raised daughters of my own and I won’t put up with this.
Jessica says
Continue reporting the creep. Go straight to your principal. If they won’t do anything and you feel unsafe get the police involved. Don’t be afraid to speak up and don’t let them silence you. This is sexual harassment and it is NOT okay. If the school and police will do nothing try getting the attention from your local news channel or papers. Inform them that this is a problem that many girls face and that no one is trying to stop it.
Start a group at your school to raise awareness about sexual harassment and educate young women and men on how to handle it/ that it is not acceptable. Encourage other girls/women to come forward and find their voice.
As a woman that started experiencing sexual harassment from elementary school on, I wish I had found my voice sooner. I wish I had known about a site like this when I was in school.