Around two weeks ago, a few minutes past 12 noon, I drove myself to a venue down a well-known lane on Bagatale Rd, Colombo 3, as I had to attend a work meeting. Once I parked and started adjusting my hair, out of the corner of my eye I saw a man standing a few yards away from me with his back towards me. He was wearing a helmet. At this point I did recognise the motor cyclist. I am unsure whether he was following me, but I definitely remember seeing him turn towards the same lane.
When he realised that I saw him, he turned towards me and started masturbating. I froze for what seemed like a long time but in reality it was probably a few seconds. Although I was a fully grown career-focused and married woman who’s generally in control of things, for a fleeting moment I felt like a helpless school girl!
I somehow managed to summon up my courage and acted fast. I took my mobile phone and started photographing him. My fingers didn’t move as fast but I managed to take two pictures. One of him proudly exhibiting his disgusting self and the other showing his motorcycle number plate very clearly.
He saw me taking the photographs but didn’t for a moment stop what he was doing or avert his eyes. I shouted at him saying he can see himself in the newspaper and in the police.
Then he stopped, got back onto the motorcycle and came right up close to me. I had rolled up my window and locked all my doors but honestly I was really worried. I saw him leave but I wasn’t sure.
I had to get out and go to my meeting, but I was worried he’d be hiding somewhere and try to harm me. I was worried to leave my car thinking he’d do something to my car. My meeting was with 5 other men, so I couldn’t really call them and tell them what happened! I felt so helpless.
I whatsapped the pictures to my closest female friends and my husband with a brief msg of what happened, so that in case something happened to me or my car there was evidence of me taking steps regarding the incident.
I somehow attended the meeting but I was in another world due to what I witnessed.
I was quite proud of myself that I managed to take the photos and I wanted to take action but everyone I knew advised me not to pursue it further saying its for my own safety as the motorcyclist would’ve noted my car number.
I feel so defeated that I had to experience this awful incident and I couldn’t even take action after.
Wish there was some way I could take action!
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
By society being more supportive and if there were more support networks to help victims!
– OMS
Location: Sri Lanka
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea
