Stop Street Harassment

Making Public Spaces Safe and Welcoming

Harassment on the sidewalks in Providence, Rhode Island

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I try to run regularly in order to stay in shape. I live in a small city, an urban neighborhood. Especially in the summer, I routinely experience men honking their car horns at me, whistling, or making suggestive comments (“Hey baby” etc).

Two instances stick out: one where a man hung out of his car window, slowed down, and licked his lips at me in a clearly lascivious way, laughing.

The second was during the late winter. I was covered head to toe in multiple layers. Not only did I receive inappropriate remarks on the sidewalk, but a teenager actually yelled from *a school bus*.

Attention such as this does not make me feel desirable. I do not feel proud of my body or my looks. When these things happen I feel insulted, disrespected, and profoundly violated albeit an invisible, spiritual way.

– Anonymous

Location: Sidewalks in Providence, RI

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Open letter from a runner who is tired of harassment

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Dear Men:

It may come as quite a surprise to you to hear this.  It may even sting a little.  It shouldn’t.

There are some places where I fully expect to be hit on (for example, at the bar).  I put up with it.  Sometimes, I may even enjoy it.  I consider the free drinks you buy me payment for the annoyance I deal with.  I will (almost) always accept a free drink.  Your efforts, while usually not reciprocated, have not gone unnoticed.

However, putting up with getting hit on at a bar is quite different from being harassed in other places.  You should be aware that just because I’m female and have boobs doesn’t mean that you are allowed to harass me and annoy the fuck out of me wherever I am, and no matter what I am doing.  There are some things that should remain sacred.

I know it may be difficult to resist making comments to me while I’m running.  I’m sure there’s just something about a young woman drenched from head to toe in sweat, hair dripping, breathing heavily and with a face the color of a ripe tomato that you find irresistible.  I can only imagine how hard it is for you to hold back when you see me running past in an over-sized sweat stained t-shirt.  I sympathize.  I really do.

Please, men.  I put up with your shit at work.  I put up with it at school.  I put up with it when I’m driving, and when I’m eating, and when I buy my coffee.  I have learned to be prepared when I go to the bar to be approached at least once, usually more.  At this point, I pretty much expect it.  All women do.  But for the LOVE OF GOD, please leave me the fuck alone when I’m running.

Love,
Me

P.S.  The next guy who harasses me when I’m running is getting kicked in the balls.  Consider that your warning.

– sararoxyoursox

Location: Santa Cruz, CA (and Washington, DC)

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