I was walking past my local park on my way to the shop in Fernhill Heath. My 8 month old son was in the pram, he babbled happily. Three men were in a parked van. They were speaking to another man on the street outside a house where I’ve heard them swearing and shouting horribly at young children (although this may be completely unconnected). As I walked past they shouted “nice arse” “Oi I’d definitely do that” “Oi, Oi” “come on back here”.
I dangled a toy in my sons face to seem distracted and didn’t react. A few minutes later the van drove past me slowly, they shouted more of the same out of the window. They stopped at a cross roads, waited for me to catch up then very slowly drove out of the junction. They stopped and looked back at us, finally they drove off.
I felt frightened, mainly, and worried as to how I could keep my baby and me safe. If they wanted to do anything they could and I wouldn’t be able to stop three men. I wondered if they did anything to girls or women in that van. I’m also angry, I take my children to that park often and when I take them out I want them to feel safe with me. I don’t know how to ensure they feel safe when I don’t.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
A more respectful society where people are valued. People bully others to feel powerful. When we promote inequality this gets worse. Education and making it a shameful act would also be a good aim. Men who do this should be shamed by other men and women.
– Gemma
Location: Fernhill Heath, Worcester, UK
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