Today I was going for a jog. I was minding my own business when I passed a young man, nodded and smiled as I usually do with anyone I see. I continued along my route and then I heard someone walking behind me. At this time I was walking as I was a little tired and since I had slowed down, I moved over to allow them to pass. I glanced back to see that it was the same young man.

This was strange to me so I moved a little further away in the hopes and expectation that he was simply walking and minding his own business. But then he proceeded to, WITHOUT MY PERMISSION, grab my butt and SQUEEZE with both hands.

As I turned around, he was running and within seconds, turned a corner and was out of my sight. I do not take these matters lightly and I do not believe they ever should be taken lightly as this is a violation of my rights and personal space.

I did report this to the police and hope that if I see him again, I can confront him and let him know that what he did was not okay. I am a little disappointed that things like this happen all the time. They shouldn’t. I was very much upset by this and am even more upset that someone would have the audacity to do something like that. I feel like I can’t even walk down the street without being worried about being harassed, and that’s a shame.

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

Educate our communities. Let it be known that women should not have to be worried while in public places doing normal everyday things that we should be allowed to do safely. Teach our children that people should be respected despite gender, race, class, religion, sexual orientation, etc. Our communities should be made aware that misogyny and sexism of any kind is intolerable and SERIOUS.

– VC

Location: Winnemucca, NV, USA

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