"It is not normal. It is harassment." | Stop Street Harassment

I have been subjected to a number of incidents over the years involving unwanted attention from men (both verbal and physical). It usually happens on a weekend night out. Unfortunately, it has gotten to the stage now where I actually enjoy getting ready to go out more than actually being out. What surprises and saddens me is that too many people (men and women) tend to dismiss these experiences as “over-reactions.”

I feel its time for us to speak up and say that this harassment is simply unacceptable. I have plenty of male friends who do not treat women in this way so why should this kind of behaviour be normalized?

It is not normal. It is harassment.

Do you have any suggestions for dealing with harassers and/or ending street harassment in general?

I think that men and women need to be educated more on personal boundaries and etiquette. Harassment is not acceptable. It is not “just a joke.” And it is not an “over-reaction” to call someone on their behaviour when it involved unwanted physical or verbal attention. Also, let’s make victim-blamed a thing of the past.

– Anonymous

Location: Galway City, Galway. Ireland

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