Street Harassment

Farah

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When I was 14, someone groped me in a crowded market. I was with my mom. I was so shocked and naive that I couldn’t even tell her. I was terrified and the perpetrator could sense it. So he literally chased me in the crowded market, groped me second time, while I was trying to hide myself. I still couldn’t tell my mom who was very busy in shopping at that time. I got myself out of that place when my mom was done shopping, but that experience scarred me for life. I so wish that incident happened to me now so that I could slap that beast hard! Thankfully, my confidence and mastering the skill of walking through a crowded place didn’t let me experience this again. Good for the groper!

Mairi

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When I was sixteen and walking from my house to downtown (it’s a small city), an older man, probably in his late forties or early fifties, pulled up alongside me in a black SUV. He rolled down his window, jeered at me, and said “I want to lick your pussy.” I was horrified, looked away and just kept walking. He kept following me slowly, then finally pulled ahead. I thought I was free, until I saw him u-turn at a light and drive my way again. Luckily my mom worked nearby and I went there, lying and saying I just thought I’d come say hi, because I didn’t want to freak her out. Not that it should matter, but I was wearing jeans, sneakers, and a black t-shirt, no makeup.