Standing by the traffic light on my local college campus, I heard a loud scream behind me and whirled around to see two guys in a pickup. It was so random that I couldn’t think what to do–but next time I’d just go over and say, “Hey, I don’t like being treated that way and I want you to stop.” I don’t think it would actually stop them, but it would break the cycle where one person hurts another on purpose and nobody says anything.

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

Having websites like this is a great start. But I think it really starts at home. If kids learn by example that respect doesn’t involve fear or violence, and that safe spaces are “the norm” while attacking people–including verbally and emotionally–is socially damaging in a real and long-lasting way, they won’t grow think it’s funny, cool, impressive, or harmless to make random gestures of aggression at strangers. Obviously nobody taught these guys using that kind of example, so they’ll have to figure it out for themselves.

– Anonymous

Location: Chapel Hill, NC

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

Yesterday I was walking home from the store and a man chased me down the street (running) and asked me to stop. He uncrumpled a dollar bill and awkwardly and without making eye contact said that he was conducting a survey and would pay me a dollar if I told him about the panties I was wearing. I told him I would not participate and dejectedly he asked if I still wanted the dollar. I said no and called the police as soon as I was home. I felt furious and afraid to go outside for the rest of the day.

I felt like a prisoner in my home who had no rights to go outside while someone else had the right to try to buy sexual fantasies from me. I also felt confused because when I refused that man my first thought was not to protect myself — it was that I would never sell such information and hurt my boyfriend. He’s a wonderful man and he deserves absolute loyalty. He helped me cope and feel safe after this event. But I should have thought of myself first.

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

I think that all public schools with children 13+ in them should have mandatory rape signage so people have resources and information. I remember that it wasn’t until years after being raped as a high schooler that I saw a poster that said, “It’s still rape even if they don’t say no.” and realized that I had in fact been raped even though I didn’t scream and fight back when I was ordered to have unwanted sex because I didn’t want to alert the perpetrator’s whole family.

– AN

Location: Mount Vernon, Washington

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

I wore this skirt because I like it, not because you do.
I am not yours.
I did my hair and makeup to feel good, not so you could feel me.
I am not yours.
I choose to smile when I feel happy, not to make you happy.
I am not yours.
I want to be alone, not because I’m lonely or want you.
I am not yours.
I can take a compliment, nothing you said was complimentary.
I am not yours.
I grabbed friends and went dancing, not so you could grab at me.
I am not yours.
I run because I care about my body, not because I care what you think.
I am not yours.
I take my dog out for walks, not so you can call me a bitch.
I am not yours.
I took the long way home, not so you could follow me there.
I am not yours.
I declined the last three times, not because I’m playing hard to get.
I am not yours.
I deserve respect, I am your equal, but more than that, I’ll remind you that,
I am not yours.

– Anonymous

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

I was walking to the train two days ago, and I was catcalled by multiple older men. I am a 16-year-old girl, and I was trying so hard to not yell back and call them perverts. It disgusts me that these men think it’s OKAY to sexualize the female body, especially of a minor. I know, all bodies are sexualized, but there is a limit.

That day I was wearing short, high-waisted yoga pants and a grey v-neck that stopped mid stomach. Normally I wouldn’t describe what I’m wearing, because honestly, women get cat called wearing just about anything. On this day, I was called a “slut for showing off my curves.” I’m not even going to try to understand what this person is feeling. I cannot control the way MY body is built. They can, however, control their repulsive thoughts and choose not to voice them. I rest my case.

– Bella C.

Location: Chicago, IL

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