On my way from my job at a grocery store to my car, someone in a car slowed down and yelled, “Looking good today momma!ʺ

I ignored them and continued walking as if I didn’t hear them, but believe me, I was so shocked and frightened that I hurried to my car ASAP. I was wearing my work tshirt and baggy jeans, and it was still light out for Christs sake…it made me feel like I needed to look even uglier for work, and that I somehow triggered it. I was really upset by this and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.

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

Walking with a buddy to the car, making catcalling illegal!!

– Anonymous

Location: Houston, TX

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

I got sexually harassed on my walk this morning. This older man was sitting out in front of some apartment buildings where people often sit. He saw me, stood up, and the saluted me. At which point he told me I was a ʺ10ʺ and how in his 66 years he’s made millions of $ (which presumably would make me more receptive to his attentions). I told him ʺgood morningʺ and walked off while he continued to talk at me.

Then on my walk back I saw the same dude at the park where he proceeded to street harass a mother and her little two kids because they weren’t smiling. He called them ʺgrumpy and grumpyʺ or lumpy, I’m not sure anymore, and how ʺeveryone loves themʺ and they should be happy or something… I wanted to say something about he should be careful otherwise people will think he’s a pedophile, but I didn’t because that doesn’t actually help these kinds of situations.

He didn’t really even seem like a creeper either, he was like a jolly old man who likes to harass people. He probably thinks he’s hilarious at parties. Like that annoying relative at the potluck that likes to get up in everyone’s business in inappropriate ways.

– Anonymous

Location: Seattle, WA

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I’m only 14 years old. I was walking from my dance studio to a water ice booth a few doors down in the shopping center while I was on break from dancing. There were a group of boys loitering next to the water ice booth. They looked about 18-20. One went up to me as I was waiting for my milkshake and was like ʺnice assʺ an pointed at my sweatpants. I told him firmly, ʺPlease leave me alone and mind your business.”

They all starting laughing and one went up to me, touched my shoulder, tried to pull me close, and said, ʺHey baby, will you buy me some water ice?ʺ I thought he escalated it by touching me being close to me, so I slapped him hard grabbed my milkshake and ran all the way across the shopping center and into my dance studio again. I never thought I was considered ʺsexyʺ or ʺhotʺ. I’m in 8th grade! It really shook me up.

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

If there are any outdoor stands or booths where you have to wait for the employee to come take your order, to always have a bell at the counter, so you aren’t stuck waiting and looking vulnerable. You can get what you need and get out because most people loiter near these places.

G.S.

Location: Rita’s Water Ice, New Castle, DE

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Around two weeks ago, a few minutes past 12 noon, I drove myself to a venue down a well-known lane on Bagatale Rd, Colombo 3, as I had to attend a work meeting. Once I parked and started adjusting my hair, out of the corner of my eye I saw a man standing a few yards away from me with his back towards me. He was wearing a helmet. At this point I did recognise the motor cyclist. I am unsure whether he was following me, but I definitely remember seeing him turn towards the same lane.

When he realised that I saw him, he turned towards me and started masturbating. I froze for what seemed like a long time but in reality it was probably a few seconds. Although I was a fully grown career-focused  and married woman who’s generally in control of things, for a fleeting moment I felt like a helpless school girl!

I somehow managed to summon up my courage and acted fast. I took my mobile phone and started photographing him. My fingers didn’t move as fast but I managed to take two pictures. One of him proudly exhibiting his disgusting self and the other showing his motorcycle number plate very clearly.

He saw me taking the photographs but didn’t for a moment stop what he was doing or avert his eyes. I shouted at him saying he can see himself in the newspaper and in the police.

Then he stopped, got back onto the motorcycle and came right up close to me. I had rolled up my window and locked all my doors but honestly I was really worried. I saw him leave but I wasn’t sure.

I had to get out and go to my meeting, but I was worried he’d be hiding somewhere and try to harm me. I was worried to leave my car thinking he’d do something to my car. My meeting was with 5 other men, so I couldn’t really call them and tell them what happened! I felt so helpless.

I whatsapped the pictures to my closest female friends and my husband with a brief msg of what happened, so that in case something happened to me or my car there was evidence of me taking steps regarding the incident.

I somehow attended the meeting but I was in another world due to what I witnessed.

I was quite proud of myself that I managed to take the photos and I wanted to take action but everyone I knew advised me not to pursue it further saying its for my own safety as the motorcyclist would’ve noted my car number.

I feel so defeated that I had to experience this awful incident and I couldn’t even take action after.

Wish there was some way I could take action!

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

By society being more supportive and if there were more support networks to help victims!

– OMS

Location: Sri Lanka

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

I was on my way out of a dairy at 10 p.m., just heading back to my car a few metres away. Four guys walking toward me stared at me. Most of them said something or laughed. One said ʺHey Sexyʺ. When I told them to leave me alone they found this more amusing. One of them said, “Ooooooh feistyʺ as if he enjoyed my discomfort or resistance.

It made me feel unsafe, angry and degraded, as if they were more powerful than me, which physically just one of them would have been and there was a group, which was frightening. I also felt like they thought I was out there for their viewing pleasure.

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

Bystanders speaking up. Men telling off their mates for doing this sort of thing. It’s mostly men that do it and their peers have power to influence their behaviour by expressing disapproval.

– Anonymous

Location: Dunedin, New Zealand

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