I was driving on the 101 Freeway in northern Los Angeles. There was a ton of traffic, and we were going about 5-10 miles an hour. I was just driving with my window down and listening to mellow music when a car of young men pulled up next to me and started screaming awful, violent and sexual things at me. They were leaning out the window barking, and filming me. It scared the living day lights out of me!!
I rolled up my window and tried to get away from them, but they moved over and paced themselves with me. They did it all over again. I was really jarred, and couldn’t stop shaking.
I got their plates (7JPF348) and called the police. The police said they’d send out a broadcast, but that they couldn’t file a report because no crime was committed. They called it unpleasant, but freedom of speech!
And here I am the next day at work, hardly able to concentrate. I feel anxious and violated. I can’t believe that someone can behave like this with no consequences!!! I will try again to file a police report.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
Teaching people from a very young age that everyone should be treated with respect and gentleness. It also would have helped if someone else besides me called the police on the freeway. We need to be contributing to our society and standing up for each other!
– CJ
Location: On the 101, just at the Las Virgenes exit. Los Angeles, CA
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea.
