Stop Street Harassment

Making Public Spaces Safe and Welcoming

Taking down a public masturbator in a McDonald’s

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I was sitting in a McDonald’s with a younger female friend and two tables over I noticed a young man in oversized clothing leering at us. There were no other people in this section of the restaurant. We tried to ignore him, and then I noticed out of the corner of my eye some repetitive movement. I realized he was masturbating as he leered at us.

I looked straight at him and said, “Stop that right now! That is not okay!”

He said, “I’m not doing anything” and went to the bathroom. I notified the manager on duty, and called the police to report the incident. I’m glad I reported it, and I’m glad I was an example to my younger friend – she seemed scared at first, but was impressed that I took action.

– Anne

Location: McDonald’s, White River Junction, Vermont

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Lexington, MA, Truck Driver

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I was in Lexington, MA, for a job interview, and I was early enough to get a bite to eat at the local McDonald’s. I opted to eat in my car, engine off, doors locked. It was the middle of the day, not late at all.

As I was eating, I noticed a white or Hispanic man across the parking lot, standing next to a big, white distribution truck, and he was staring at me intently. I looked away but kept my attention on him to be careful.

After a few minutes, he started to call to me with ‘hey’ over and over again. He just stared and motioned to me to come out of my car. I didn’t. I decided I was tired of him, and drove out of the parking lot.

As I stopped at the red light, I noticed the white truck exiting the parking lot as well, and coming straight for me. I dashed off into the road I needed, and hid myself down an obscure street to avoid being found. Thankfully I did not see him again, but I can say that I was extremely shaken up about the entire thing and wanted to cry. I felt so helpless and trapped in my own car.

– J.L.

Location: Lexington, MA

Share your street harassment story today and help raise awareness about the problem. Include your location and it will be added to the Street Harassment Map.

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