The street harassment went on practically everyday when I was 12-14. Every time I walked to and from school I was leered at, and often men three times my age winked or remarked at me. I was never touched, thank god (though I have been before, just not on the street). I remember walking by a man and I had an over-sized jacket on, looking like a mess, yet he still felt the need to go, “Oh my god…”. I never replied. I was taught not to, though I often scratched my face with my rude finger. It didn’t stop until I left the country.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
TEACH PEOPLE THAT IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO STREET HARASS. If you’re a victim, there is nothing you can do. It’s too threatening. The only people who can make things somewhere safer are the ones doing the endangering in the first place.
– Anonymous
Location: Lebanon
Need support? Call the toll-free National Street Harassment hotline: 855-897-5910
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for ideas.
