Stop Street Harassment

Making Public Spaces Safe and Welcoming

Five joggers, one was a groper

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I was queueing at a cashpoint with a couple of friends in a busy part of town one Friday night after work. It was cold so I was wrapped up warm, with a long thick coat on, which was just as well because a group of 5 men came jogging past us and one of them forcefully grabbed at my backside as he went by.

It all happened so quickly, I didn’t see which one it was and they were out of sight by the time I’d told the people around me what had happened. It made me feel angry and vulnerable.

– Natalie

Location: Fore Street, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom

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Volunteers needed for SlutWalk

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The number one myth I hear around street harassment is that it’s women’s fault because of the way we dress.  That’s also a common myth when you hear about the sexual assault of women. Case in point:

On January 24th, 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police stated, “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.”

Outraged folks in Toronto are doing something about that victim-blaming — they’re holding SlutWalk.

SlutWalk is scheduled for Sunday, April 3rd, 2011.
Speeches at 1:30. Walk at 2:00.
Starting location is central Queen’s Park,
heading to Toronto Police Headquarters at 40 College Street.
Facebook Event Page

More on the Why:

“As the city’s major protective service, the Toronto Police have perpetuated the myth and stereotype of ‘the slut’, and in doing so have failed us. With sexual assault already a significantly under-reported crime, survivors have now been given even less of a reason to go to the Police, for fear that they could be blamed. Being assaulted isn’t about what you wear; it’s not even about sex; but using a pejorative term to rationalize inexcusable behaviour creates an environment in which it’s okay to blame the victim.”

Volunteers Needed:

  • March 26: They have a prep day this coming up Saturday where they need people to come help with making signs, etc
  • April 3: They need volunteers on the actual event day
  • Starting Now: They need people to just keep spreading the word through word of mouth/social media/etc.

People interested in volunteering can contact Erika Scholz, at volunteer@slutwalktoronto.com

If you’re not in Toronto, think about starting your satellite SlutWalk, info here.

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Crotch grabber in Istanbul

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I was with my Norwegian colleagues on the streets in Istanbul while we were waiting to get on a boat. I found a nut vender by the side of the street and went over to check out what he was selling. As I was standing there with a couple of other female colleagues, a man walks by and grabs my cooch from behind. It was so strange and quick, I thought it might have been an accident, so I just ignored it. But then, the same man walks by a second time and grabs me in the same spot! I was so stunned! I felt so helpless!

– Kiersten

Location: Istanbul, Turkey

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“Perverted creep comes on a bike and grabs my breasts”

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I was right on my street trying to check my pocket to see if i dropped the cash and one perverted creep comes on a bike and grabs my breasts. I scream and call him a fuckin asshole..and he comes back and says i will wait fa u…

never ever felt so helpless and so freaked…

– Angela

Location: r.m.v 2nd stage, Bangalore, India

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Repeat motorbike groper in North Vietnam

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Today is the second time that a man on a motorbike has driven past me and grabbed my breast. The first time it happened I was so shocked that I didn’t have time to do much more than scream before he had disappeared from view. I spent many days after the first incident nervously checking my surroundings whenever I left the house and contemplating how I would catch this man if he dared tried do something similar.

Alas I now feel like a complete fool for not being able to prevent the same thing happening again just a few feet from my house. I am in an Asian country where people on motorbikes frequently wear scarves across their face to prevent inhaling fumes, so I was unable to recognize this person on sight and by the time I did, of course it was too late. I managed this time to swear at the cowardly, vile male responsible before he drove off, but given that he doesn’t speak my language, my guess is that he could care less.

I am comforted that other brave women here have experienced similar events but I can’t help worrying that this man’s actions could escalate into a more dangerous attack and I am not sure what steps to take next.

– Anonymous

Location: North Vietnam

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