I was a 19-year-old girl from a small town in the big city going to college. I was already scared to death. My apartment was six blocks from school and we walked every day. Many times men shouted lewd things from cars or from construction jobs nearby. It was a business college and we were required to wear dresses every day.
I always tried to walk to school as part of a group but one day during finals I was alone. A car with several men in it drove by me slowly and shouted something about my “fine ass.'” The went around the block and came by again slower, and shouted again, I was so scared, after they went by I ran the last couple of blocks in high heels.
I was 18 at the time, I’m 52 now and I can still remember this plain as day. We do not or did NOT want the unwanted attention, it’s degrading, and inhumane!! I felt like a piece of meat.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
By doing just what you’re doing and what most of us wanted to do but were by ourselves and scared. Confront the person and let them know this is NOT ok. I am also a child sexual abuse survivor and it’s empowering to watch you tell someone this is NOT ok, I wanted to do that as a child and was too scared. Giving women power is a great thing.
– Lynn
Location: Downtown St. Louis, MO
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more ideas
