In the morning, I go out for walks with my dog around 4:15-4:45 a.m. and because it’s winter in Australia, it’s fairly dark, so I always make a point of staying in well lit areas. I was on my way back, moving down a road that had cars frequently passing, and a petrol station across the road, and I was surprised by a car pulling up beside me. I made the mistake of walking with traffic rather than against it, so it took me by surprise as I had headphones on. In the darkness it was hard to read his facial expression.

I took off my headphones angrily (but deep inside I was very fearful and scared, my adrenaline pumping) and I said “Hello!?” in a stern voice.

He said, “Aww, did I scare you?” I just looked at him confused and as traffic approached he was like, “Pretty scary huh?” I assume implying that it was a scary time of day perhaps, but as he started to drive off I just said, “Uhh ya.”

I was fearful he might turn around or come back, and I was still 5 minutes from home so I hastily walked home (couldn’t run as my legs were too sore) and every vehicle that went passed was making my heart sink. I felt annoyed at myself for allowing this person to put fear into me and I was angry at him for feeling like he had the right to do that to a young female so early in the morning, especially when he acknowledged it was scary.

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

Brighter lights perhaps, but being suburbia, that may not be possible. Possibly CCTV cameras at intersections would be helpful. Because the petrol station was so close, I felt as though I could have ran across the road to get assistance as I know the attendant well from visiting there so frequently.

– Anonymous

Location: Near Illawara Crescent North and Alexander Drive lights, Ballajura, Western Australia.

Need support? Call the toll-free National Street Harassment hotline: 855-897-5910

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

Yesterday I was walking across Castro in San Francisco. I had my headphones in (as usual) but I could hear a guy catcalling me and trying to get my attention. I kept walking even as he kept calling after me. When I reached the end of the block I checked to see if he had followed me, but thankfully he had not. Street harassment for me has never become ugly or violent, so I count myself extremely lucky for that. However, a moment like that made me wonder if it could.

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

A woman doesn’t owe a man her time or attention, especially that of a stranger. We need to teach boys from a young age that catcalling is completely inappropriate to do to any woman. It makes women feel uncomfortable and unsafe in public spaces.

– Elle Cee

Location: San Francisco, CA

Need support? Call the toll-free National Street Harassment hotline: 855-897-5910

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