Editor’s Note: Anna gave permission for her story to be shared here.

@anna_e_fisk [I’ve] written a letter to Chief Constable about yesterday’s experience of street harassment and #EverydaySexism

I’ve been commuting to and from my house since I reached high school. I’ve had my fair share of catcalls and whistles. I did not mind those men because in my mind I am above them.

When I graduated high school, I went to a college that is far from our home but still I commute everyday. I ride a bus going to college and going back home.

One morning, I rode the bus like I always do. I chose a seat that’s far from the driver’s seat, though it is not all the way at the back of the bus. If you have been in Manila, you’ll know that the buses will be full of people. At one point, a man dressed appropriately like he is going to his office sat beside me. At first, he just sat there not minding me. But as the ride went on, he started feeling me. He was trying to touch my breast. My instinct was to scoot farther from him, closer to the window. I was very afraid because he was also making sounds that I thought he was pleasuring himself under his jacket that was strategically placed on his lap. The bus was full and even the aisle have people standing. I know someone could hear him because he was not quiet but they did not do anything. They turned a blind eye. After a while, the man alighted from the bus. That’s when I realized that my phone was missing.

I was not only harassed, I was also robbed. I did not reported it to the police because no one helped me. When I screamed that I was robbed, the people looked at me like I was disturbing them. All I felt that time was their apathetic stares.

That is why I am very vocal about my stand on any form of harassment. And I encourage every one not to turn a blind eye when someone needs your help especially in the streets because no one should feel alone.

– L.

Location: Bus. Manila, Philippines

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See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea

I stopped at the store on my way to the gym yesterday. From the time I got out of my car to the time I got back (less than 5 minutes) I got 1 underhanded “WOW”, 1 “You got nice figure (sic)” and numerous disrobing stares. For crying out loud, can I get my power bar in peace, gym clothes or not? I feel like I have to bow my head and stare at the ground, because if I don’t the harassment gets even worse. Or maybe it’s the same, I just don’t see it with my head down.

On another occasion I was with my 7-year-old daughter at Home Depot when she said: “Mom, that man was staring at your butt.” They don’t even have the decency to control themselves when I’m with my daughter?

Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?

Pass city ordinances making it a misdemeanor for honking at someone without cause. Same for catcalls. Fine the idiots. Once it hurts their pocketbook they may think twice about it, although that still wouldn’t stop the stares.

– Regina

Location: Publix, Pembroke Pines, FL

Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea

I unfortunately have too many stories to share. But the ones that stand out most in my head are all the same. I’m walking alone (in my neighborhood, to my car, into a building) and see a group of males. I immediately become nervous (I have anxiety disorders). I try to find another way around, or try to walk by as fast and as quietly as I can so they don’t notice me. But they always do. They always completely stop what they’re doing, stand up, move towards me and say “Damn!” as I pass. I pass in shame, with my head hung low, wishing I could disappear. They make me feel degraded, threatened, nervous, and in complete danger. It’s gotten to the point where I try not to go anywhere at all alone. It’s not ok.

Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?

It’s time society begins to teach males new ways to interact with women that do not make them feel threatened, degraded, objectified, or uncomfortable. It’s parents’ responsibility, and the responsibility of other men at this point, because nobody is listening to the women who are speaking out against it. We get brushed off, or ridiculed, or accused of overreacting to a “compliment”. It’s not ok to allow this to continue.

– Feliz

Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico

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See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea

This has just happened around 1 hour ago.

So me and my friend were going on a walk around 11:00 and our neighbourhood is generally pretty nice and quiet because it’s all old people that live on my street.

But tonight was much different. We were walking and as we were walking by this house there was a man in the shadows on a bike just staring at us. I’ll never forget the look he gave us.  So we walked a bit faster and as we walked faster he got on his bike and chased us so we ran as fast as possible and he wouldn’t stop following us until we got to a steep hill with a lot of speed bumps.

From there we ran down the hill and ran the 3 streets away to my home. He just disappeared after that so I got my friend’s mom to drive by to see if he is was still in those shadows waiting and sure enough he as. He has been sitting there for about 2 hours and I’m freaking out. I’m very close to calling the cops.

All I can say is thank God I made it home alive.

– Anonymous

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in the Keele and Lawrence area

Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea