I was visiting my sister and decided to go to the library on 7/22/14. When I got there I got multiple stares and instantly felt uncomfortable. This man sat down next to me and mumbled “hellooo.” I sat there for about 5 mins, but the whole time I could feel him staring at my legs. Now only being a sophmore in high school (well going to be), I politely got up and went outside. I was making a phone call when the same man came outside and made a fake call. He proceeded to sit next to me and smile. I immediately felt scared and decided to walk away. As I turned to go through an alley to the back of the library, I saw him peek down it.

Out of the many times I’ve been looked at, whistled, hollered at, and more… He was one of the most uncomfortable people I’ve encountered. I don’t see why its so hard for a high schooler to be herself, dress nice, and not get raunchy stares and even more…

This needs to stop.

– kiranna

Location: Lancaster, PA

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

I have depression, serve loneliness and social anxiety. I don’t look like something’s wrong with me that is why they think it’s easy to talk to me. I get guys slowing down there cars next to me and getting honked and harassed about how “pretty” I am. I don’t dress provoking. The only thing I don’t cover is my arms. It’s 99 degrees outside and I now wear a jacket to cover myself no matter how hot it gets. I’m 18.

– Anonymous

Location: Irving, Texas

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I’m 18 years old and a senior in high school. I was waiting at the bus stop, and a car drove by me and a guy made kissy noises with his mouth from the passenger seat. i ignored him, but i looked to my left and he was making a U-turn just to drive by me and do it again. I’m very awkward so i just awkwardly stood there with a straight face.

I get honked at everyday, and i do not dress provoking. i wear very pale looking clothes.i don’t know if it’s my long hair or my curves. its not fair that i have to deal with this everywhere i go. i wanna feel and look pretty for myself but i feel that it’s a crime to do so.

– Anonymous

Location: Bus stop

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As I was walking to my job training I noticed a tall man was following behind me. Realizing that I’m a slow walker I moved to give him enough space to pass me and yet he continued to follow. I thought if I slowed down he would just pass yet he slowed down as well. Finally I stopped and so did he…right on my heels. As I said excuse me to pass him he started to verbally assault me calling me stupid and making references towards my body. Feeling scared I crossed the street and he creepily followed. As I was about to begin to run I saw an older couple and decided to ask for help. By the look on my face they knew I was in trouble. They waited with me as the man finally kept walking and they even escorted me to my training.

Lesson learned? YES. I will be buying mace and an ice pick…just in case.

Optional: Do you have any suggestions for dealing with harassers and/or ending street harassment in general?

Awareness in important in ending street harassment but if you’re in this situation or a similar one find people!! Find anyone who can stand with you even if it’s only for a couple of minutes. This was the only thing that seemed to make him stop following me, also carry mace and be ready to use it and make a dash to a public area. Most importantly try not to engage.

– PL

Location: Chicago, IL

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My friend and I decided to go shopping in the city one day and everything was going well until a man, in his late 40s/50s, came up behind me, touched my butt and told me he liked my pants. We rushed into a store and I had to hold back my tears. I felt dirty and upset and spent the rest of the day with my jacket tied around my waist to try to avoid any further harassment. I felt as though it was my fault, that I shouldn’t have worn my high-waisted pants, that they were too ‘slutty’. I still feel uncomfortable about the situation. I am 15-years-old and these occurrences happen almost every time I go into the city.

– Anonymous

Location: City

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