I was sitting reading a book on the train on my way back from school. This guy came and sat across from me and asked me what I was reading. I showed him the cover but didn’t reply, I just kept reading. He tried again, “You seem really interested in it.” Again, I ignored him and kept reading.
Not getting my attention, he tried another tactic. He placed his backpack next to me, boxing me in close to the window and spread himself across the whole seat in front of me. He moved his leg to touch mine. I moved my leg. He moved his leg again to touch mine. Again I moved. Again he moved his leg, and by this time I was scrunching myself into the corner. I was afraid to say something even though there were other people around. I froze. I just wanted to get out of there, so I gave him an angry look, put my bookmark in my book, stood up while holding my backpack and went to a different part of the train.
I saw a guy look from the man who harassed me, to me, then back to the guy. I think he saw what was happening but didn’t know what to do to help. I was so scared and angry and nervous that I was shaking when we reached my stop. He stood to get off at the same place. I stopped the closest normal-looking man standing up to exit the train. “Excuse me,” I said, “see that guy over there in the red and white striped shirt?” He nodded. “He is kind of harassing me. Can you keep an eye on him for me?” He nodded and we all got off the train. I walked to the indoor train station coffee shop and sat to wait until my brother could pick me up. I was still so scared. Turning my back to that guy to walk away terrified me. I hate feeling unsafe. That guy robbed me of my feeling of security. I cried for 20 minutes when I got home. I scrubbed and scrubbed the part of my leg he touched and immediately put my pants in the laundry. I felt like burning those pants. Nothing helped. I am dreading taking that same train again tomorrow.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
Stay aware of what is happening around you. If you see somebody making advances, speak up! You never know when someone is too scared to do it themself.
– Anonymous
Location: RTD train in Denver, Colorado
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.
