I was 12. I was walking to church on my own since I lived only two blocks away. I was wearing my best church dress, a very modest but beautiful black dress, and I was excited to see all of my friends at church. When I was about to walk through the parking lot, an older man grabbed my arm and told me that I was beautiful and that he wished there were girls as beautiful as me back in his day. At the time I said thank you politely and walked away, but it took me a while to realize how creepy it was that an 80 year old man had stopped a child to say that he wished I could have lived in his time. I also realized that I could have been in danger if I had responded negatively because of the tight grip he held on my arm.

I am 17 now, and I have been cat called more in my life between the ages of 10-14 than I do now, which is terrifying.

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

Be assertive, look for people around you and call to them for help if needed.

– Anonymous

Location: Outside of my church

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.