TURKEY: Last week, a mini bus driver tried to rape Ozgecan Aslan, a student at Cag University in the southern province of Mersin, when she was the last passenger. He beat and killed her, cut off her hands, burned her body and tossed it into a river. News of her grisly death sparked outrage. Over the weekend, thousands of people marched in black and online, the hashtag #sendeanlat (#tellyourstory) trended as women shared their stories of harassment and abuse.
“Women across Turkey used the hashtags to share experiences of public harassment, as well as incidents within the family, from adolescence through to adulthood.
Many said their lives were restricted by harassment and that they had to take precautions to avoid it, such as dressing more conservatively and carrying pepper spray.
Some said they have had to alter their routes on the street and get off public transportation to avoid harassment. Others said they have had to seek refuge in cafes and shops to avoid stalkers..”
USA: Peace Over Violence will be partnering with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority on an anti-harassment transit campaign in April! A survey last year showed that 1 in 5 riders has faced unwanted sexual behavior. In the meantime: “Anyone who sees inappropriate behavior can call 911 or the sheriff’s hotline: (888) 950-SAFE (7233).”
