As I was walking to my job training I noticed a tall man was following behind me. Realizing that I’m a slow walker I moved to give him enough space to pass me and yet he continued to follow. I thought if I slowed down he would just pass yet he slowed down as well. Finally I stopped and so did he…right on my heels. As I said excuse me to pass him he started to verbally assault me calling me stupid and making references towards my body. Feeling scared I crossed the street and he creepily followed. As I was about to begin to run I saw an older couple and decided to ask for help. By the look on my face they knew I was in trouble. They waited with me as the man finally kept walking and they even escorted me to my training.
Lesson learned? YES. I will be buying mace and an ice pick…just in case.
Optional: Do you have any suggestions for dealing with harassers and/or ending street harassment in general?
Awareness in important in ending street harassment but if you’re in this situation or a similar one find people!! Find anyone who can stand with you even if it’s only for a couple of minutes. This was the only thing that seemed to make him stop following me, also carry mace and be ready to use it and make a dash to a public area. Most importantly try not to engage.
– PL
Location: Chicago, IL
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more ideas
