I am 14 years old, and a middle aged man — most likely 50+ years of age — mowing the lawn said, “You look as hot as I feel.”

I was walking alone for 100 yards, it was about a 45 second walk. I don’t live in a city, and have never heard of this happening to anyone in my town. This happened today, and I am left feeling lost and confused about what to do, and since I was wearing an old t-shirt, I feel afraid to wear anything flattering. I feel ashamed and terrified about the fact it could’ve easily been worse.

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

Schools should take action and inform boys and girls in middle school about what sexual harassment is, how to combat catcalling, how to be an upstander if they see someone being catcalled, and how and when to respectfully and appropriately compliment someone.

– Anonymous

Location: Downtown Hershey, PA

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.