I was walking around at night by myself. As I walked past this one house, two guys came out onto the porch. I’m sure they were drunk. They were also in their forties. I’m 23. I didn’t even acknowledge them, but one said, “Hello” and the other, “How YOU doin?!” in a really creepy sexy voice.
I never stopped walking, but I turned slightly and said, “F**k off.” Maybe not the best response, but I’m simply sick of guys using my being outside as an excuse to him on me. Especially since they’re twice my age. That’s super creepy and disgusting.
The one started screaming at me, “What the f**k did you just say to me?! Come back here!” I told him no and kept walking. He got off his porch and started coming after me. I yelled at him that I had mace and I’d mace him if he didn’t leave me alone, but he keeping coming after me. So I just walked away as fast as I could. He kept telling me to come back. He followed me for a block or two. Then we came up to an intersection where there were a few people across the street. At that point, I called back, “Just leave me the f**k alone!” And he finally said ok and backed off.
But I’m afraid the only reason he did was because those other people. I was scared out of my mind. I had no idea what would happen, what he would do if he got close to me. But I just knew I couldn’t let him get that close. I was disgusted that he had the audacity to try to flirt with me when I was just trying to walk. But once he started coming after me, I was terrified the whole time. I was terrified that he was going to beat the shit out of me, or worse rape me…
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
I’m not sure. I think one of the main problems is that women aren’t respected and are simply viewed as property. If we could change that view, I think the streets would be a lot safer.
– Irena
Location: Out on the street, Latrobe PA USA
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See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for ideas.
