I was on my way from New York City, I take the train everyday from Penn Station. At rush hour, Penn station is busy and often people can find it overwhelming. It was a usual day, I was wearing some grey leggings, a white t-shirt and some sneakers. As usual I was waiting for my train’s platform to be announced so I stood in the crowd listening to my Ipod. Suddenly from behind someone grabbed my ass in a very aggressive and sexual manner. I was completely shocked and turned around quickly to identify who had done it. Penn Station is so busy, so I could not 100% identify who had touched me.
My first instinct was to go to the police who were standing relatively near me.. I told them I had been grabbed and they tried to help me identify who could have done it. As I was not 100% sure they said there was not much they could do. They made me feel safer and I was glad I told somebody, but I became increasingly upset and shocked. I had never experienced harassment like that before. The police escorted me to my platform in case my offender might follow me.
I got on my train a few minutes later and that was that. It was a horrible experience and I will never forget it. Since that experience, I have developed an increase in anxiety when navigating large crowds and being in busy public spaces.
– Anonymous
Location: Penn Station, NYC
Need support? Call the toll-free National Street Harassment hotline: 855-897-5910
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See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for ideas.
