Stop Street Harassment

Making Public Spaces Safe and Welcoming

“Change the cultural response to harassment “

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I was 14 years old, walking on a downtown Dallas street, when a man walking in front of me suddenly turned and grabbed my breast and just as quickly let go and kept on walking away.

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

We need to change the cultural response to the harassment of women.

– Jane

Location:

Near the YWCA in downtown Dallas, Texas

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.

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“I felt so helpless and ashamed”

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I’m 14 years old.  Today was horrible! I’d just finished shopping and I was walking past a cafe when I noticed a guy was staring at me.

He noticed that I was looking at him and winked. I was disgusted and you could tell, he carried on winking.

I felt like I couldn’t say anything as I was with my family.

The thing is winking may not seem like a big deal but it happens so much to me and in that moment I felt so helpless and ashamed!

I’ve seen it online but it’s an app that connects to the shop or restaurant or whatever. You can then say who you are and why you are feeling uncomfortable. A member of staff will approach you to ask who is harassing you. The person is then kicked out.

Also, we need more education in schools about addressing street harassment.

— S.C.

Location:

London: Westfield

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.

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“I’m 14 and I was catcalled today!”

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I’m 14 and I was catcalled today.

At lunch I was with two friends and we were rushing back to school. As we were crossing the street two men whistled from a far and told me and my friend to come over. I kept walking as soon as I realized what was happening and then started to run.

One of my friends was very paranoid, he’s a guy and thought they were following us.

My other friend, who is a girl, didn’t really know what was happening, just followed our lead. As soon as we saw a cop car near by we relaxed but stayed quiet.

We got to school and I had a math test so I did it, still secretly shaking. I tried to stay strong but I was crying on the inside.

I’m a pretty large girl so I have pretty large boobs, I couldn’t stop covering them for hours. I couldn’t stop thinking what could have happened, if we hadn’t run.

My girl friend just kinda ignored it and from what she told me it didn’t affect her at all. The guy twisted the whole story so he looked like the hero and everyone forgot about it about an hour after it happened. Except for me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

I cried so much thinking it was my fault. I’m scared that it will happen again.

I’m afraid to go there again and I’m always the one that just goes for it.

I couldn’t tell anyone in my family. And barely friends. They weren’t there. They didn’t understand why I felt the way I felt. This helped a little to get over my fear a bit.

But please… Never do that to anyone… I believe their exact words were a classic “you’re hot” whistle and then… “Vení mamacita”.

If you’re one of that guys.. Never do that again. I was really hurt. Especially if I’m underage and you are older than me! I hope if someone who does this reads this they stop! 100% this happened. It is real. But I hope it wasn’t.

– S.F.

Location:

On the streets in Argentina

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.

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“The worst thing for me was that I was 14 when this happened”

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I was walking back from my library volunteering job.

It was in summer so I had a loose top on (yes I know there is no need to include that).

As I turned the corner onto the high street, I saw a dodgy looking car with a load of shirtless guys inside. I knew they were going to be trouble so I stayed on the other side of the pavement and looked down. That didn’t stop one of the guys whistling and another guy going “wooooooooo”.

I walked quickly with no expression on my face.

Unfortunately I was being picked up off that road so I couldn’t leave as quickly as I would have liked.

The worst thing for me was that I was 14 when this happened. I do look mature for my age, but it’s still not alright. I was left feeling really insecure as it was the first time it had happened.

It also made me feel it was my fault for walking down *that* street at *that* time wearing *that* one piece. I then felt guilty about not saying anything as they went on to do that to other girls, which weighed me down.

So overall, while it may not have been the worst street harassment, I was still very young and already struggling with my mental health.

It should not happen in our modern society and this toxic behavior being forced on young teenagers who simply can’t cope. Thank you for reading my story.

Let’s make this a punishable crime as the lasting health impacts are inexcusable.

— Anonymous

Location:

Local street, England

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.

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