As a teenage girl I am used to street harassment on a small scale; catcalls, whistles, even sleazy chat-up lines. But last night I experienced something I never thought I’d have to deal with. I was walking along a dark road with two friends on the way to a club, we were walking arm in arm, chatting. This road has a short, wide tunnel and as we entered it a man walked into the other end. Being wary of anyone at that time of night I kept an eye on him. As soon as he noticed us he unbuckled his belt, dropped his trousers and started masturbating. I was really creeped out, but also angry. As we passed him on the pavement I looked him in the eye and said, ‘Seriously? You are ridiculous.’

He didn’t reply, but kept walking.

As my friends hadn’t noticed what had been going on I then proceeded to take the opportunity to tell them how pathetic (and also illegal) that is as we walked away. I emphasized each word so that it would echo in the tunnel.

I can’t believe anyone would do something like that. Being a regular reader of this site I know that many women have had much worse experiences, but one of my friends was quite disturbed by it. Something about the way the man acted was really sinister. I’m proud that I didn’t just look away and walk past. He deserved to know that what he was doing was disgusting.

– FT

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

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I was on the train, on my way home. I guy around 17 years of age was being very loud, talking non stop about a girl from school – how he didn’t like her looks and that she was very dumb. It was very offensive and made me feel uncomfortable and angry. I decided to tell him to shut up and that he was being very loud. It only shut him up for about a minute, then he continued. It is always disturbing to hear that kind of misogyny.

– NS

Location: On the train

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I work as a Pilates and yoga instructor, and up close, I look my age of 61, but from a distance I’m very fit. I’m almost always in my work uniform of black lycra long pants or capris and shirt and jacket with big lettering announcing my gym and title. I get harassed about once or twice weekly.

This week, at my bank branch a man my age behind me in line tapped me on the shoulder and told me he thought I looked great, he went on complimenting my “gymnastic”body. I noticed he was wearing a wedding ring.

I replied I am okay for an old married lady (I’m single). He went on to say he likes women who are fit and flexible and how he likes to eat his lunch in our parking lot while watching the women come and go from the gym. It’s a women-only gym.

I told him that’s why we like it. It’s a safe place from pervs who make us feel uncomfortable. Then the teller called me up by name and he shut up. What a creep! Men feel so free to comment on women’s bodies and appearance. I wish I had said more to him.

Last night I went to the shopping ma ll which adjoins a large supermarket. There was a man in his twenties, neatly dressed for the warm weather and pushing a few shopping carts. As he approached me he leaned towards me and made this very angry threatening face and almost in a whisper said, “bitch.”

I didn’t react or respond, and kept walking. He wasn’t wearing a market uniform. I assume he is another mentally ill person on the streets, or maybe just hostile towards older women. Just another weird day in the OC. It would be so great to feel safe in my own neighborhood.

– yoginijasmina

Location: In a bank and outside a shopping mall

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