Walking to a bus stop on North Circular in London, an older English guy wearing tiny running shorts, goes loudly, “Excuse me, could you suck me off?” whilst pulling up the slides of his shorts to reveal his flaccid withered penis. I don’t even look at him, go “Urgh no” and walk on. He says to my retreating back, “Why don’t I fuck you in the arse?” I say, still walking away, “Why don’t you fuck yourself in the arse?” No response. I walk on to my stop and get on the bus.
This happened in broad daylight in the middle of the afternoon. I was wearing jeans and tshirt. I suspect the reason he stopped harassing me was either the lack of reaction on my part- or perhaps the mother and 5 year old boy on a scooter close behind me, suddenly appearing around the corner.
It made me very angry that he would do that- I think men like him do it to shock and aggravate women- like what are you gonna do about this?
I now do feel more nervous approaching that bus stop, and always keep and eye out around the area- which is where I live.
I would encourage anyone who experiences these stupid men to first speak out at them and make it clear they are stupid, and to appear supremely unbothered by their stupid behavior. They’re after a reaction. Don’t give them any satisfaction. Get on with your day.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
Educate men better, harsher punishments for offenders, better schemes for offenders in prisons, better sex education in schools. The list goes on- but it should focus on MEN changing. Girls have every right to dress how they like and go where they like and not be harassed.
– HMJ
Location: London North Circular bus stop
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See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea
