I was leaving a skate park with a kid I was babysitting. A high-school aged skater yelled at me as I left, “Are you a MILF? Are you a MILF? Are you a MILF?” My back was turned when he started, so I just kept walking without turning back. I felt embarrassed and powerless in the situation. Any response I could have given would only have gratified him.

– Anonymous

Location: Denver, CO

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

I was walking home from my high school softball game when I stopped at a busy intersection a block away from my house. I was waiting to cross the street when I made eye contact with a man in the parked car to my right. His head was out the window and he looked at me and said, “Hello there.”

I ignored him and kept looking forward. Then he said, “Wow, you can’t even say hi back?” As I started to cross the street I tried to laugh it off uncomfortably and said, “No sorry.”

The words that he said next will never leave my head. He responded by saying, “Yeah? Well why don’t you wipe that dirty ass smirk off your face.” Are you kidding me? Who does this man think he is, hitting on a girl who is at least 15 years younger than him and expecting a postive response? It gets me so angry.

My mother always told me never to say anything back because I never know what kind of person he is and whether or not he will hurt me. It’s so frustrating listening to these rude and disgusting things that these men say when they don’t hear what they want and not being able to say anything.

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

I would like to see posters all around NYC with slogans such as: I will not smile for you.

– A.D.

Location: Queens, NY

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

I’m not sure why I care. As a woman, I’ve grown accustomed to various forms of unwanted attention, scratch that, harassment. I tend to shrug it off, ignore it or make a joke out of it.

Tonight, he yelled something about my appearance and said I needed a dick in me. I hadn’t even made eye contact. I was minding my own business waiting to cross the street. It isn’t the first time and it won’t be the last time. Since middle school I’ve heard sexually directed comments. It’s always f- this, f-that, I would or wouldn’t f-you. Ah, gee thanks. Does it matter what I do or don’t want?

I’ve endured stares. Been grabbed, groped. Had lewd comments and gestures directed at me. I’ve witnessed public masturbators. Men driving in cars have honked at me or pulled over asking how much? And before that question comes up, it happens no matter what you wear! I know prostitution exists but this isn’t some example of mistaken identity when you’re wearing a parka. I’ve reacted. I’ve not bothered to.

Today, I pretended I didn’t notice. I hate to admit I noticed. I can intellectualize why it happens. I can understand the concepts of aggression, power and a culture that devalues women. I can also believe I’m a human and deserving of better or, can I? After tonight, I’m feeling like a reflection of a human being. As if I should be grateful that at least I wasn’t grabbed. Worse could have happened. I’m not sure how I can care. I’m not sure why I care.

– Anonymous

Location: Canada

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

I was walking home at night with my friend after seeing a movie and we passed two boys on the opposite side of the street. For reasons known only to them, they felt it was ok to scream across the street at us and make many derogatory comments regarding my appearance and body. The comments were extremely hurtful and whilst I didn’t feel like I was in danger, I was very upset afterwards and enraged.

I wanted to respond at the time that it happened, to get angry but because it was night-time I didn’t for fear that the situation would escalate. I wish the comments they made about me being ugly didn’t bother me, but they do. That’s why I’m sharing this story, because I am sick of feeling like shit because of catcalling.

– J

Location: Albury, NSW, Australia

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