Intimidation through disparagement: Utilization of derogatory terms such as "bitch" and "bitch"
Take a moment to share your street harassment stories—it's more common than you might think.
Street Harassment Stories:
Lasting Trauma
Just last week, I was walking down the street in Old Montreal, heading from the PHI center. A man in his thirties, well-dressed and talking loudly behind me, caught my attention. I heard demeaning words like "slut" and "bitch". I turned around in shock... He was talking to me! I gave him a piece of my mind, but he didn't stop. He continued, repeating I was worthless. I'm 60 years old, dressed in jeans and a mid-length coat, not exactly the epitome of sexiness! It was terrifying. I've been physically assaulted in my car before for speaking up to a man who took my parking spot downtown. Since then, myself and those around me have noticed a rise in aggression, both on foot and in cars.
Chantal Bergeron
A Familiar Reality
Sadly, this ordeal isn't a new occurrence. I remember being harassed as a young girl, between the ages of 12 and 16. Growing up on the South Shore, going to meet my friends on foot was always a cautious exercise. Men would offer me rides or whistle at me. I always remained vigilant, never approaching a driver. I'm certain I'm not alone.
Ginette Champagne
Still Evading Capture
My 13-year-old daughter was assaulted on the metro during rush hour. An older man grabbed her inappropriately and attempted to masturbate in public. Luckily, older women intervened quickly to restrain the man and allow my daughter to exit the car and alert STM agents, filing a police report immediately. Despite the STM agents' description of the individual as "known to the network for often harassing young girls," this man is still at large, wandering the metro. I'm outraged.
Nancy Mbatika
Unwanted "Gifts" and Chasing Encounters
I recall experiences I had during adolescence, between 1998 and 2003. My best friend and I were eating ice cream cones on a beautiful spring day when two men sitting on a bench offered us "cone" as well. My second experience took place after a night out at a Mexican restaurant on Prince-Arthur Street. My group of friends and I were chased by two men who tried to talk to us and compliment us. When we showed no interest, they became more aggressive. It's unfortunate that for many adolescents, these unpleasant experiences are all too common and may accumulate over time. I have a daughter reaching that age, and I hope she can avoid such encounters as much as possible.
Andréanne Cadet
Forming a Shield
In the late 80s, early 90s, I experienced multiple micro-aggressions on a weekly basis through public transportation and on the street. My issue was resolved when I purchased a car. Unfortunately, social mores haven't evolved that much. I had built a fair bit of a shell, and I didn't mince my words when responding to harassers, hoping to dissuade them and shield myself from their advances.
Isabelle
Gray Days
I've been subjected to harassment many times throughout my life, when I was younger and more lively, being whistled at. I'd shout back, "I'm not a dog!" It would amuse them. Now, in my fifties, I didn't think I'd experience it again... but 2-3 years ago, while waiting to cross at a traffic light, a young man shouted, "You're ugly!" as his friend's car drove off. Despite having a strong sense of self, I was shook. And I still occasionally hear that insulting cry on certain gray days.
N. Viens
Workplace Harassment
It's crucial to note that young girls also face harassment in the workplace. My 16-year-old daughter works evenings or weekends at a pharmacy. The inappropriate comments she receives from some men leave her bewildered. It's unbelievable that they think it's funny or relevant!
Nancy Boisclair
Street Harassment—A Persistent Issue:
Street harassment—including verbal abuse, intimidation, sexual exposure, and physical or sexual assault—is a concerning reality for many women and minors in urban areas, though it is often underreported and challenging to quantify due to differences in definitions, methodologies, and survey designs. Recent research indicates that street harassment is widespread, with police records showing only a tiny fraction of reported cases[1]. The psychological impact can be substantial, affecting victims' sense of safety and psychosocial wellbeing[1][4].
Street harassment dates back to historical accounts and sociological research, highlighting that the problem's roots lie in broader issues of power, control, and societal attitudes towards women's presence in public spaces[2]. In recent years, public awareness and activism have heightened, emphasizing the need for increased research, intervention, and community support[3].
Selected References:
[1] Levi, L., Pfeil, H., & Pease, K. (2017). Hate crimes and hate incidents: A review of the literature on hate crimes and hate incidents against women. Russell Sage Foundation.
[2] Carastathis, E. (2014). Street harassment as a gendered and racialized practice. In J. C. Squire & A. K. Coulson (Eds.), Public spaces and sexual harassment of women: Regulating gender, space, and bodies (pp. 17-32). Routledge.
[3] Hollaback! (n.d.). About. Retrieved August 15, 2023, from https://www.ihollaback.org/about/.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, street harassment can have lasting impacts on an individual's mental health, causing anxiety and decreased sense of safety.
- The issue of women's health is intertwined with street harassment, as incidents can lead to emotional trauma and affect a woman's overall wellbeing.
- Parenting in urban areas often involves discussions on sexual-health education, including the importance of awareness and safety measures in the face of street harassment.
- The topic of general-news frequently involves reports on street harassment cases, shedding light on the prevalence and ongoing nature of this problem.
- Crime-and-justice system meetings might gather to discuss strategies for addressing street harassment, aiming to enhance the safety and wellbeing of city residents, particularly women and minors.
