Stop Street Harassment

Making Public Spaces Safe and Welcoming

“Their calls are unwanted”

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Hi. When I walk by a house in my hometown the guys inside catcall when I’m alone but hide inside like cowards. Since it’s a public side street near the train station, I want to ask the harassers to come outside so I can tell them to their faces that their calls are unwanted. I would prefer to avoid getting the police involved but they may have to interpret.

– Anonymous

Location: Bound Brook, NJ

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See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea.

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“Goddamn bitch, you’ve got a fatty!”

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While walking to the store, a man yelled out from a passing car, “Goddamn bitch, you’ve got a fatty!” I tried not to think about it afterwards, but it is still in my mind a day later.

I feel angry, disrespected, and wonder if there is a way to avoid it. Like maybe I shouldn’t wear the jeans I was wearing. I’ve put on a little weight, and my jeans fit tighter. I don’t want to be harassed just because I can’t afford to buy new clothes. I feel angry and frustrated. All I was trying to do was have a pleasant walk, get a little exercise, and enjoy the day. Maybe, he was trying to compliment me, but it made me feel awful.

– Anonymous

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

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

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“I guess they respect the man who is with you”

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Between my best friend’s house and mine there is a building under construction. Whenever a girl passes by, the workers shout and catcall her. That happened to me a few times and it happened to a lot of other women. We live pretty close so I normally walk there daily, and it’s also my way to class. One day I realized the men recognized me as they knew I passed by everyday generally the same time and I started getting scared. Since then, I’ve asked my best friend to pick me up when I visit him and to go to class. I was never catcalled again. My best friend is a guy. I guess they respect the man who is with you.

– Anonymous

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

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“Threw his tongue inside my throat

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When I was 15, I went to a party with my friends and we were all dancing and stuff when a guy came up to talk to me. He asked me if I wanted to make out with him. I said no. He asked if I wanted to talk to him. I said no. He took me by my waist and threw his tongue inside my throat. All my girlfriends saw this and up to this day, they make fun of me for being a slut because I can’t name all of the guys whom I’ve kissed.

– Anonymous

Location: Country Club Niteroi, Niteroi, RJ, Brasil

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

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“Told him not to say that to me or anyone else”

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SMILE STENCILI was walking down the street to my car after work, and a guard at a parking garage I pass tells me to smile. I don’t remember the exact comment but it was one of those common ones, something like, “You’d look better with a smile.”

I ignored it and kept walking at first, but I stopped, turned around, and told him not to say that to me or anyone else. I also told him that it really doesn’t make someone feel good to hear that. It was a very light incident compared to many other stories, but I thought I’d share.

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

If it’s safe (and only if you feel safe), sometimes it helps to confront the person making these comments. They may not stop, but confrontation forces them to think about it.

– Anonymous

Location: Charlotte, NC

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

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