As an organization that works to make public places safer for everyone, we are dismayed at the rhetoric that the president-elect uses when talking about women. We are upset when he suggests that there are people in our country who should be indiscriminately deported, or who should be prevented from entering our country simply because of their religion. We disagree with the language the president-elect uses and policy plans he suggests which divide us and belittle us.

We are outraged that a sexual abuser will be president.

We fear that the disrespect and hate shown by him to large demographics of the population — including immigrants, persons of color, persons with disabilities, LGBQTIA-identified folks, and all women — will be seen by some as tacit approval to harass and assault those demographics with even greater aggression and audacity.

This makes modeling respectful behavior and speaking out against those who harass, discriminate and abuse others more crucial than ever, as is finding and receiving support if it happens to you.

1. Use our national street harassment hotline (run in partnership with RAINN and Defend Yourself) to find 24/7 support in Spanish and English, online and via secure IM chat.

a. Find ideas for dealing with harassers in the book 50 Stories About Stopping Street Harassers.

b. Make a tax-deductible donation so we can serve even more people on the hotline.

2. Share your story of harassment on our blog to raise awareness. On the blog, you can also share stories about how you did something when you witnessed harassment — inspire others to do something, too.

3. Plan to take action during International Anti-Street Harassment Week and help bring local and international attention to the issues. April 2-8, 2017, www.meetusonthestreet.org.

4. If you’re in the Washington, D.C. area and witness or experience harassment on the transit system, you can report it.

Rest assured, we will continue working to make public spaces more welcoming for all. Join us. Together, we must ensure that justice, equality and love prevail.

The Stop Street Harassment Board of Directors