Stop Street Harassment

Making Public Spaces Safe and Welcoming

“He tried to kiss me, and drag me off [my bike]”

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I was riding my bike to the chip shop early last Saturday night. I rode by a pub on the way (one that I would ordinarily avoid but that it would add a mile to the journey to avoid) when a group of skinny (very drunk) white boys started walking fast beside me. I went to speed up, but one stepped in front of my bike, pulling me off and grabbing my arm. He tried to kiss me, and drag me off. I struck back at him, making a fist and connecting with his shoulder, surprising him into letting me go. I would like to think I hurt him. I sped off while his friends attempted to catch me.

My husband called the police, they came and took my statement, promising to lock him up to ‘put the fear of God in him’ if they caught him. I was not dressed provocatively; wearing a t-shirt and long running shorts. I should not be afraid to ride my bike outside. I am harassed several times a week, but this was the most violent occasion. The male police officer who came round to interview me said that more girls should fight back, like I did. I find it interesting however, that when I give a lecture at a university, or deliver a reading, I am called a woman. When people see me, I am referred to a ‘a girl’. This is tansgental and part of me is flattered, but interesting to note.

– Anonymous

Location: Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

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“Hey, you two girls are sexy. It’s a pity you’re lesbians”

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I was sitting in the car with my girlfriend, when a teenage boy walked past and shouted, “Hey, you two girls are sexy. It’s a pity you’re lesbians.”

I jumped out of the car and confronted him (I am a woman in my early 30’s and was appalled that a teenage boy felt entitled to make such a brazen remark to two women twice his age).

He ignored me and I followed him, repeatedly asking him if he thought his behaviour was OK and whether he would speak to his mother that way. I then threatened to follow him home and tell his mother about his appalling behaviour. At this point he became physically aggressive (clearly frighten by the threat of parental intervention). He was bigger than me and it was with relief that eventually a friend of his stepped between us (at this point, things could likely have come to blows). What was quite revealing: not a single person, man or woman, on the busy beach front road stopped to ask what was going on, or to intervene when he physically took hold of me.

How it made me feel: furious enough to take on someone who, though younger, was quite capable of inflicting physical harm.

– Anonymous

Location: Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

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“Hey everyone! Look at this pervert masturbating on the Metro”

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Earlier today, I was taking the Baltimore Metro from Mondawmin to the Johns Hopkins Hospital. I was sitting alone next to the window. In between stops a guy in sunglasses and a red jacket decided to change seats and sit next to me. I thought this was strange behavior, but I did not do anything. He then put his backpack on his lap to block all the other passengers view of his lap and begin to masturbate. I think he wanted me to look at him, but I just stared out the window. He continued like this for about 10 minutes, started to breathe heavily, and then got off at the next stop.

I was so afraid, that I didn’t say anything. I wish I would have at least switched seats or gotten off the metro, but he was blocking me in and I did not want to look at him, let alone ask him to move. I am a pretty shy person, but looking back I should have had the guts to yell, “Hey everyone! Look at this pervert masturbating on the Metro.” Maybe then he would be ashamed of what he was doing.

– Elizabeth

Location: Metro, Mondawmin, Baltimore, Maryland

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“It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life”

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I have loads of experiences like this, unfortunately. Once I was waiting for my bus at 6 p.m. when an older man approached me. He started making disgusting remarks about me and I tried to ignore him. He then grabbed my behind and started to feel me up. I was 13 years old back then, and it was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. I shouted at him but no one helped me.

More recently I was followed when I was walking home. The guy was shouting demeaning things and I was very scared. This is not cool, it should end now!

– Anonymous

Location: United Kingdom

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“The only thing they ‘respected’ was if I was the property of another man”

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Riding a city bus in Rome, I was rubbed against from behind by a man.

As with many other people this has happened to, I thought he needed more room, so I moved forward. He moved with me. This went on until I was right behind the driver.

Then I’d had more than enough. When he pressed against me again, I turned to face him & said loudly & very sternly, “Move it or lose it!!” I was a bit taller than him, so I was right in his face, scowling.

I don’t know if he understood English or just the threatening tone, but he moved away & left me alone. I was disgusted that he’d touched me like that, but proud that I made him back away.

Other times riding the bus (I was there as a college student / tourist for 2 weeks) I was approached & bothered by men and even teenage boys. I found the only thing they “respected” was if I was the property of another man… I bought & wore a cheap “wedding” ring for most of my trip. I didn’t feel too good about it – esp. since they weren’t respecting me but some fictional non-present male – but at least they left me alone with no work on my part.

– MKEgal

Location: Rome, Italy

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