street harassment

I wanted to do a post highlighting the ways we can start a conversation about this subject. It affects women every single day and with no real protections against this, it is up to me and you to develop good skills to combat every day street harassment.

So what is street harassment? It is defined as unwelcome comments or contact of a sexual nature directed at a person by a stranger in a public place. It is no surprise that the target of street harassment is usually women. The harasser is usually a male but this does not mean that their are not any instances of the roles being reversed. Either way the most important part is that the comments are unwelcome.

I have personally experienced street harassment several times in my life. As someone who gets anxiety over any little thing, being catcalled is 100% terrifying to me. I've grown up learning that strangers are only out to do harm. And creepy men on the street are no different.

So how can we fight this?

1. Talk about your experiences- By talking about your experiences you are allowing the conversation to start. Most men may believe because they don't do it or don't see it happening that it doesn't exist. I always talk to someone about an experience like that. Sometimes I will even tweet about it and share my disgust. It might make those who street harass realize that it does a lot harm.

2. Be an ally guys!- Men should call out other men if they are harassing a woman on the streets.

What if you are a victim? What should you do in response to being harassed?

1. If you know you are safe then respond to the harasser. Respond loud and clear that their words are not welcome and they are extremely hurtful. Do it loudly especially in public places so other people catch on to what is happening.

2. Report them to the police. This is a hard one. Because reporting them may seem like tedious thing to do especially if you were harassed for one second. Imagine the rest of the women that have been harassed by this one person. They each felt the same disgust. Reporting them to the police can make sure they face consequences and you are also protecting other victims.

What can you do if are a witness to street harassment?

1. Don't be a victim of bystander effect. The bystander effect is the phenomenon that a person is less likely to help someone in danger if they are around a lot of people. Intervene when you see street harassment! Inspire others to speak up. You can say things like "That is harassment" or even something more witty than that. Most importantly make sure the person being harassed is okay.

2. Cause a distraction and act like the harasser is not there. Pretend that they are nonexistent and interact with the other person instead. Just get in the way of the situation.

Don't be silent about it and trust your gut!

Happy blogging.

Graphic by http://www.stopstreetharassment.org/