Trigger Warning – Attempted Kidnap

On my 20th birthday, I was walking between my halls of residence and my boyfriend’s, down a quiet residential street at about 6 in the evening (it was totally dark though, since it was halfway through December). A car screeched to a halt just past me, and proceeded to do a three point turn very quickly. A friend had had trouble with a flasher along this road, so I decided it could be suspicious, and sped up. A man got out and opened the boot [trunk], which was now pointing towards me. He told me to “get in it if I wanted a good time”.

I kept walking. He followed me. I started running (in high heels). So did he. By this stage, I was screaming down the phone to my boyfriend, and finally managed to reach a busier road. The man stopped chasing me, but shouted to “come back, I was only joking!”

Some joke, or some serious threat of kidnap and rape, I should say. I suspect I was targeted, as the street is known for being one used by students a lot, and by extension, young girls. I still don’t feel safe after dark.

– Anonymous

Location: Knighton Grange Road, Leicester, UK

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Going back a couple of months, I was sitting on the bus and a man got on. I don’t know him personally but I remember he worked as a security officer in the bus station a few years ago. I see him from time to time as he lives in my area. Usually he is with his wife when I see him and he would say hello. However, this time he was on his own. Now you’re probably expecting me to tell you that he tried to hit on me.

No actually, he insulted me. “Hiya, you’ve gone fat in your face!” he said casually.

Too stunned to answer, I just awkwardly smiled and looked away feeling mortified. He sat down and just started talking to another passenger as though nothing had happened.

Just to clarify, I’m a little overweight but not noticeably big. I felt confident with my appearance that day but after that remark, it knocked me back. I couldn’t believe he could be so rude and act like it was normal. What an asshole.

– Clarice

Location: No 63 bus, North Cornelly, Wales

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I was harassed while waiting for the subway. A man approached me, asked if I spoke Spanish. I said no, but he asked for directions in broken English. I was quite abrupt, as I always am, but I told how many stops he had until his destination, and he said thank you. Before he left, he said, “You’re pretty, have a good day.”

I smiled and said thanks.

He walked away, back to where he was originally standing. A few minutes later, I saw someone approaching from my peripherals. It appeared they were moving quickly. I turned to look, and first thought they were wearing tan pants. I quickly learned it was the same man, who removed his pants, who was both exposing himself to me while masturbating. He had the most disgusting twisted look on his face. With no time to think, I screamed and ran upstairs to the station attendant and reported what I saw.

She contacted the police, but said I could leave. I waited until a couple of trains came through, and until a few other people came, and went back down and got on the train. While I got on the train, I thought I saw him still on the platform. I hope the cops came and found him, but I am doubtful. I’ll be waiting upstairs until the train comes from now on.

– Anonymous

Location: New York City

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So I’ve written in before regarding how some pervert took my photo while I was working out at Planet Fitness Gym in Elmwood Park, IL, and how the staff refused to remove him from the facility. I’ve also written on how corporate ignored my requests to form a harassment policy and have their staff trained on that policy, and refused to release security footage of the incident.

When I emailed the corporate VP about ignoring my requests, he responded with a very shocking and condescending “What evidence do you have that he took a picture of you? ” KNOWING that they have footage of the incident.

And now the harassment has happened AGAIN. This time at the Planet Fitness location in Cicero, IL. I came across a Yelp review as follows:

“On 12.29.2011 I visited this fitness center with the intention of joining. “Marco,” was the employee that assisted me that evening and despite my informing him I was married, kept flirting with me throughout the welcome session. The gym is two blocks from my home and I was very happy to have a fitness center so close to me. Despite his unwanted behavior, I gave this center a try. On 12.30.2011 “Marco” inappropriately obtained my personal cell number from my application/file and began contacting me against my wishes, sending me text messages where he was inviting me to spend time with him at the gym and repeatedly offered to work out together. He sent numerous messages over the course of the week before I asked him to stop contacting me and reminded him I had never personally given him my cell number. I felt very uncomfortable returning to the gym knowing I would see him, so I had my husband speak to the general manager, “Chris N”. In short, we are very disappointed with how the manager and this center’s owners’ handled this situation. We have decided to cancel both of our memberships immediately and demand the cancellation fee be waived. They informed me it was my word against their employee’s and stated there was a “trainer” that witnessed me give this “Marco” my cell number for personal reasons. In fact it was only I and “Marco” present at the table when I joined, no alleged “witness” was present. They based their decision to do nothing, on this “witness.” This is very disturbing.”

UGH! I messaged the woman and along with apologizing to her for her trouble gave her the link to my petition

This should NOT be happening! If you haven’t already please sign the petition asking that Planet Fitness form a harassment policy TODAY! It will only take one minute and it will send an email to the company letting them know how you feel–all with just your signature.

– Earth Angel

Location: Planet Fitness Cicero, IL

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