I was on a packed train at about 5 p.m., rush hour in the downtown core. All of a sudden I felt someone touch my bum. My first thought was ‘this is a packed train hopefully they’ll move away’. I turned to look at him and he didn’t. I positioned my arm to create a barrier between him and me, but he just got closer. I moved away and he blocked me from moving. He then started rubbing his fingers on my bum. I managed to move away and I asked him if he was serious and to stop but he positioned his body closer to mine once again.
This whole time no one even looked up or acknowledged my suffering. I got off and he followed me and I managed to get on the train on the next platform. I cried all the way to work that night and a couple of times during.
I can’t help but think was it me? I mean was it my clothes or attitude or mannerism that invited him? I know deep inside that I did nothing to request this harassment and as a facilitator of empowerment workshops I know it’s all him not me…but I feel ashamed and dirty.
I’m writing this from a bus at 10 p.m. on my way back from work and I’m terrified. I no longer feel safe in my city or on public transit. I’m not letting him take my mobility, I know that much, I just don’t know if I’ll ever feel safe again.
– Anonymous
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
Check out the new book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers!
