Harassment & Speaking Up

Harassment is about them, not you

Street harassment (catcalls, comments, following, staring, slurs) is something many women deal with at some point. It can be especially common for women who are visibly queer, trans, disabled, fat or women of colour. It is never caused by what you wear, how you walk or how you look. It says everything about the harasser and nothing about you.

Responding when it happens to you

There’s no single “right” response. Your safety and your feelings come first, and the best choice depends on the moment. Options include:

• Keep walking. Not responding is a completely valid, often wise choice. It’s not weakness.
• A short, firm line (“Leave me alone.” / “Don’t talk to me like that.”) said clearly, without engaging further.
• Move towards people - into a shop, a café, near a staff member or other women.
• Call a friend and tell them where you are.
• Report it - to transport staff, venue security, or police if you feel safe doing so.
• Debrief afterwards. Tell a friend, write it down, let yourself feel what you feel. It’s normal to be rattled, angry or shaky.

The 5Ds: when it happens to someone else

Right To Be (formerly Hollaback!) teaches five ways to help when you see harassment. Pick whichever is safest for you:

D	What it looks like
Distract	Interrupt casually: “Excuse me, do you know what stop this is?”, or “accidentally” drop your keys between them.
Delegate	Get someone else: the bus driver, a bartender, security, or a group nearby.
Document	If someone’s already helping, film from a safe distance, and give the footage to the person harassed. Never post it without their consent.
Delay	Afterwards, check in: “That was awful. Are you okay? Can I sit with you?”
Direct	Speak up briefly: “Hey, leave her alone.” Only if you feel safe. Keep it short; don’t get into a debate.