What You Can Do About Street Harassment

Street harassment is pervasive in most urban communities. Women of all ages, teenagers, minorities and members of the LGBT community are frequent victims of street harassment.

What is street harassment?

Street harassment takes many forms. It could mean a person is a target of racist, homophobic, or sexist jokes, gestures, or comments. It could mean that a person is touched inappropriately. It could mean that they are intimidated and fear for their lives. Harassment is any unwanted behavior targeted at individuals without their consent.

What are some ways to prevent or deal with street harassment?

• Don’t walk alone at night.

Avoid walking anywhere alone at night. Have a friend join you, even if you’re taking an Uber or Lyft. If you do have to walk alone at night send your family or friends a text message letting them know. Let them know where you are and when you plan to arrive at a particular destination. Then they will know if anything has happened to you.

• Avoid alleyways or less crowded areas.

Stay away from areas that are devoid of people. Harassers are more likely to target their victims in quieter and darker areas of the street.

• Assist victims when you witness street harassment.

If you witness another person being harassed, help out if you feel comfortable doing so, even if that means simply remaining present during the situation. It may encourage the harasser to leave or stop. Report any harassers.

• Act assertive, calm and confident when and if you decide to respond to street harassment.

You may be caught off guard or feel nervous, but in front of your harasser try to act calm and confident. Use eye contact and if you feel you’re up for it, you should tell them not to do that particular behavior and that it is harassment.

• Keep the dialogue open and share your stories.

Sharing your stories of street harassment will encourage others to share theirs. This in turns opens up conversation on what harassment is, what consent is, and how to tackle difficult situations.

For more information about harassment, send us a message.