I’m 16. I should be living my life to the fullest, enjoying my teenage years, going out and not having a single worry. Instead, I’m afraid to walk home from school without having a guy friend with me. I have nightmares and I fear every male over 14 that I don’t know personally. I download apps in order to keep myself safe and practise how fast I can dial 112 at home. I sometimes carry a pocket knife with me. And the worst part is, that’s not just me – that’s the majority of females. Because nearly every one of us has been street harassed at some point of their lives and once it happens, it’s hard to forget. You fear it will happen again and so you do everything you can to avoid it from happening – you take different roads, different people with you, but it often doesn’t help. At least with me it doesn’t.
I’m 16 and only in the past week, I’ve been street harassed twice. By the same person. I haven’t even seen his face because I am too afraid to turn around when he calls after me – I only know his voice and it gives me chills. After the first time, I changed routes but I still met him. Both times he wasn’t alone – when he talks he uses “we”. And if it isn’t him, it’s someone else. Street harassment happens to me all the time – people yelling at me about my lipstick, my skirts, my hair – people I don’t even know judging my looks and my behaviour and calling me with words I do not wish to share.
I’m 16. My skirt is not short because I’m trying to seduce you – my skirt is short because it is very hot outside.
I’m 16. I’m not swaying my hips at you – that’s just the way I walk.
I’m 16. I shouldn’t be afraid to walk down the street, but I am. And the saddest part is, I have a reason to be.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
We can make public places safer by educating males and teaching them how to treat females. We should raise awarness about street harassment and tell people to help when they see it happening.
– Anonymous
Location: Europe
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more ideas.
