Stop Street Harassment

Making Public Spaces Safe and Welcoming

“People should never feel uncomfortable walking around”

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Recently, as my friend and I walk to my apartment, I noticed a man standing in the corner of the block. I was extremely uncomfortable because he glanced at us-specifically, me. He whispered something to me, but I was unable to hear it because of the noises around the neighborhood. For a second, I thought that it was probably my imagination, only to realize the man was following us as we walked around.

I began to walk gradually slower and make a random excuse that I needed to enter a pharmacy. However, the man simply slowed his steps and walked ahead, while I explained that we were being followed. As we continued to walk slowly and cautiously, the man began to turn around and walk toward us, whispering obscene, unwanted sexual remarks as he walked past us. Honestly, it was a disturbing situation, seeing that he was middle-aged adult and my friend and I are still teenagers. Unfortunately, because I live directly in front of the site, we hurriedly ran into a nearby supermarket, waited for a while for our other friend, and left through the other exit.

This was one of the few times I have experienced street harassment. This experience, however, left me agitated. I was appalled by how someone could even consider making unwanted advances, especially how someone could follow someone and make them worried to simply go outside.

Also, I think it’s important to remember that street harassment does happen simply because one is wearing a provocative attire, as others had claimed numerous times. That day, I have returned from school, still clothed in my gym uniform that consisted of a simple t-shirt and sweatpants. Honestly, I was a mess that day, exhausted and having my hair fly around from the wind. However, regardless of what someone wears, people should never feel uncomfortable walking around.

– Anonymous

Location: Manhattan, New York City (The Lower East Side)

Need support? Call the toll-free National Street Harassment hotline: 855-897-5910

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

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“You can be compassionate while still deflecting those comments

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I was walking my dog in my neighborhood one afternoon. A group of young men were walking in front of us. They stopped and my dog and I walked by them. One of the guys asked me, “Hey are you going to take me for a walk?” I turned around and said “Nope.” They were all laughing and the one who kept talking to me would continue with his remarks.

When I turned on to my street, he called at me again, “When are you going to take me for a walk?” I stopped and turned around. “Excuse me?” I said. He walked over with a big grin on his face and said “You can walk me if you want.”

I asked him, “How are you going to talk to a perfect stranger like that? I don’t even know you.”

He started laughing a little nervously and asked what my dog’s name is. “Leaving. Her name is Leaving.”

I turned around and started walking home. I heard his friends all laughing in the background. It was a conscious effort not to go down the path of anger.

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

Compassion. It’s a daily practice when it comes to cat calling behavior. You can be compassionate while still deflecting those comments.

– Anonymous

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Need support? Call the toll-free National Street Harassment hotline: 855-897-5910

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

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“I felt ashamed for more than that reason”

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I was in middle school, I think, and I was with some friends hanging out at a park. I had trouble climbing the fence and my friends tried to encourage me to do it without help. An elderly man came by and tried to “help” me over but also groped my ass for way too long. I felt ashamed for more than that reason and grossed out. My friends at the time thought it was funny.

– Anonymous

Need support? Call the toll-free National Street Harassment hotline: 855-897-5910

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

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“I felt objectified”

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At university, walking back to my house from the gym, a car slowed so the driver could lean out of his window and yell, “Nice ass!” as he passed. I felt objectified, like all the work I’d been doing for my body and my health were taken so men could enjoy looking at me and feeling powerful.

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

Men need to step up!

– ET

Location: Hamilton, NY

Need support? Call the toll-free National Street Harassment hotline: 855-897-5910

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

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“I refuse to answer and continuing walking, quickly”

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Walking home late, a guy stops blocking my way. He says, “Hello, stop for a second.” I continue to walk. Shouting after me, continuing to follow, “What’s your name? Hello? What’s your name?” I refuse to answer and continuing walking, quickly realising that it’s 2 a.m., I’m a good few blocks away from my home and there’s no one else around.

“That’s not nice. That really isn’t nice,” he calls after, some of his friends are sniggering in the car as I cross the street. This was the third time that day that some random stranger had felt the need to call after me.

– Anonymous

Location: France

Need support? Call the toll-free National Street Harassment hotline: 855-897-5910

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

Share