feeling unsafe Archives | Stop Street Harassment

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.

During an interview with Esquire magazine, actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson (I love you, Hermione!) spoke about her experiences of sexual harassment and how they are commonly faced by most women.

“I’ve had my arse slapped as I’ve left a room. I’ve felt scared walking home. I’ve had people following me,” she said. “I don’t talk about these experiences much, because coming from me they’ll sound like a huge deal and I don’t want this to be about me, but most women I know have experienced it and worse… this is unfortunately how it is. It’s so much more pervasive than we acknowledge. It shouldn’t be an acceptable fact of life that women should be afraid.”

I am sorry to hear about the harassment and assault she has experienced and I am so grateful to her for speaking out and for bringing attention to the fact that this is a widespread problem.

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

Emma Watson: “I’ve Felt Scared Walking Home”