My sister and I were walking down a street. There were about 5 boys, on skateboards, aged around 11 to 12. We walked past them, and as we did, they started telling us to get on their skateboards. We politely declined, and one of them said to my sister, “I like your rack!”

My sister and I looked back and stuck our middle fingers at them. They simply laughed. We went to get some coffee, and we headed back the same way around 30 minutes later, thinking they would be gone by then. They weren’t. My sister immediately picked up her phone and faked a phone call with our Dad. As we passed by them again, they started verbally harassing us again, telling us to get on their skateboards, and one of them even said “come back to bed!” Like I said, these kids couldn’t have been any older than 12.

I have an anxiety disorder, so I felt very panicked. I figured they wouldn’t do anything, but I was nervous they would follow my sister and I back home.

– Anonymous

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

I was at the bus station at 2 PM on a Sunday afternoon. A man leered at me and said, “Hey there pretty young girl.” I ignored him and kept walking, and he started yelling about how I’m a stuck up bitch. I’m just grateful he didn’t follow me. even though it was the middle of the day and lots of people were around, everyone ignored what just happened.

– Anonymous

Location: Durham, NC

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I entered the train, and the guy on the left of me pretended to “help” me into the train by grabbing my lower back and grazing it saying, “Here you go, sweetie.” My shirt on the back had a certain pattern that showed a bit of skin and his hands literally made contact with my skin.

When I told him, “Please don’t touch me,” he proceeded to insult my body, saying “There’s not much to touch,” and laugh with his friend and make insulting comments about my race loudly so everyone on the train could hear. Both he and his friend continued to make harassing and provocative  remarks throughout the train ride, hoping I would react verbally. I didn’t.

Instead, I turned around and took his photo. His eyes stared right into mine as I did it, looking surprised. Guess he didn’t expect that one.

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

Keep taking photos of harassers if you feel it is safe to do so. Keep documenting every time you’re harassed. If they know they can’t get away with it, they may be less likely to to try again next time.

– Anonymous

Location: New York 6 Train

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I was walking home in broad daylight, on the sidewalk, through my very residential neighborhood, and I sensed a car slowing behind me. I kept walking. The man in the car slowed to talk to me and I thought that he might be asking me for directions. I couldn’t understand what he said initially, so I said, “Where are you trying to get to?” And he laughed and said, “No, I asked where you’re going” with a gross look on his face. I responded, “To my house. Alone.”

I started walking and he paused before driving, and I got out my phone with every intention of calling 911 if necessary.

This made me feel gross, like I must have done something to invite his attention, and a little concerned for my safety, as I was actually near my house and I was worried that he would see which driveway I turned into. I immediately texted my husband to tell him how awful I felt.

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

Educate men that street harassment really has no point–it’s offensive, it makes women feel like trash, it leads to safety issues, and (if they only care about themselves) it will not lead to a productive conversation or “hook up” with a woman.

– KL

Location: Indianapolis, IN

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I was walking to meet my partner one afternoon, and a man was walking behind me for a few minutes.  It seemed like he was trying to catch up to me and finally did, and asked me “Where are you going?”

I said I was going to meet up with my girlfriend, and he replied “a girlfriend girlfriend?? “I said “Yes” and he said, “That’s too bad, you sure you only play with girls?” I replied “yep” and started walking faster, to which he replied “Good-looking girl like you, you’ve got a nice ass”.

I was in complete shock and all I could muster out was “thanks”.  I couldn’t believe that happened.  After we both changed directions I was in shock and awe still that this complete stranger said this to me.

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

Raise our children, teach them that it is not acceptable behavior to cat-call or harass people.  The media plays a HUGE role in how men perceive women want to be treated.

– Emerald

Location: Street

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