One night I was riding shotgun in my mom’s borrowed red truck and we were going to the library. (Keep in mind I’m a 15 year old girl and my mom is 49.) I was finishing the book I was going to return when two 20-year-old guys whistled at us and yelled. “Hey sexy things,” and continued to whistle even after we drove away. I felt disgusted because we were just DRIVING DOWN A ROAD, but I guess it can happen at any time or place. I didn’t react during the situation but after I mostly just felt angry because other women experience much worse and just that little taste of harassment made me feel kind of awful.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
We could teach boys growing up now that catcalling and harassing women is not okay. Right now we could stick together as women and help each other if we are something happening to her.
– M
Location: Johnstown, PA
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.
