“You’re triggering her PTSD”

Dear dudes working for Governors Island in the Manhattan terminal,

When a lone woman asks you questions related to the ferry schedule and surrounding area it is not an invitation to invite her to hang out and socialize with you. And when she says she’s feeling anti-social, it’s not a reason to lash out at her and tell her she won’t get your help then. When she comes back for the next ferry, that’s not your cue to tease her, announce to the room full of employees that she looks tired, tell the other employees that she cussed you out and argue with her when she says she did no such thing and just wants to be left alone because you’re triggering her PTSD. And finally, when you see her waiting in line clearly upset, that’s not an invitation for you to pull on her clothes and then squeeze her shoulders (thanks for the flashbacks, dude!).

Sincerely,
The woman you harassed today while she was trying to take the ferry for her very last ever visit to her favorite park.

10/2/12 UPDATE from the author of the post: “Elizabeth at the Fund for Governors Island has gotten in touch and gotten the details from me. She let me know they are looking to address this as quickly as possible and they’re taking this seriously. I did ask if these same folks might be working for the Staten Island Ferry (right next door and also a free service) and she wasn’t sure, but she did know they were a security firm, not city employees. So as of right now I feel like this is being dealt with appropriately. I will keep you posted on any progress!”

10/4/12 UPDATE from the author of the post: “**Another update** I got a follow-up call from Elizabeth at the Trust for Governors Island and she let me know that the guys involved in harassing me would no longer be sub-contracting with the ferry service. She also apologized for the incident. So yay, I don’t have to worry about seeing those guys if I ride the ferry again, and my female friends who ride don’t either! I’m so glad I spoke up!”