“I know I don’t have to put up with that kind of disrespect”

Editor’s Note: A few days ago, Jessica in Missouri posted a story about a horrible harassment incident that happened to her on a train platform. Then, when she reported it to a guard, he and his friend standing nearby dismissed it, told her it was a compliment, and then the friend of the guard asked her out! She felt forced to take his phone number because she feared he would lash out at her if she didn’t. A few concerned readers contacted the transit authority and Jessica did too. Here is her update:

I would really like to thank the reader who contacted the metro on my behalf and also let everyone know that this situation is being handled now the way it should have been originally. I did in fact talk to the head of security for metro this morning. He took what happened very seriously and apparently there has been a man they have been trying to catch that has done this other times and it may or may not be the same person.

Apparently the head of security is new in his position and really was not aware of certain things that go on like for instance that many of the guards and bus drivers are very flirtatious with some of the women that ride the buses and trains. I have been asked out by a few of them, and “complimented” about things they have no business complimenting about (ex I have nice legs) while they are on their job. He was shocked and appalled and said he would fire whoever behaves that way. It made me wish I had reported things like that long ago but I think until recently I just felt like that’s what you have to put up with if you are female. That incident last weekend was just the straw that broke the camels back for me. I feel more empowered and confident now and I know I don’t have to put up with that kind of disrespect.