"Together we can stop street harassment"

            No matter your age, social status, or the place. It can be a pseudo compliment or a directly sexual assault. There are no women in our country that have not been harassed by a stranger, be it on a street or on public transport. I am talking about street harassment.

            No one is free from it. I know very well. Two years ago. I was walking to my home when I heard a man behind me saying obscenities. After a few seconds I note it that he was speaking to me. I was so scared. I walked as faster as I could to lose him, but he kept following me until I stopped and he continued his way. I'm 22 and similar things have happened to me since I was 12 years old.

            According to the “Observatorio Contra el Acoso Callejero” in Chile over 95% of women surveyed, between 12 and 64, have suffered some kind of street sexual harassment. It was also recorded that 25% of respondents between 13 and 18, has suffered street harassment twice a day and that 71% of respondents say they have suffered an experience of traumatic character.

            Street harassment is a form of violence against women that has been silenced for too long but it is finally breaking down cultural barriers that have allowed it to thrive. Next, I'll tell you, what street harassment is and what its effects are? I will also tell you what we can do to stop?

            First, we need to understand what is considered street harassment. According to the "Observatorio contra el acoso callejero" in Chile. Street harassment is a face to face interaction, usually between strangers who have the intent to harass or intimidate. This may include sexual language, whistling, kissing noises or physical actions such as fondling, masturbation, or stalking for a long time. Although most stalkers are men and women the harassed both genders can suffer street harassment.

            Harassment is harmful. According to the “Observatorio contra el acoso callejero” in Chile: “Street harassment often has serious and negative impact on women’s lives, both on their physical and emotional health. The severity of the reaction depends on the  severity of the harassment. The reactions frequently recorded by woman included, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, weight loss, or weight gain. Researchers also found that there is a connection between harassment and post-traumatic stress disorder.”

            We know that street harassment is a problem. So what can we do about it? According to the "Observatory against street harassment" in Chile there are four things we can do against street harassment. First educate. We need to educate the youth to change the mindset existing in Chile about women. This is because there are many people who believe that this is normal to treatment of women as objects and have no awareness that this may be demeaning. Secondly, we should try to punish this kind of behaviour when it is possible or give a correct answer when we are being harassed to discourage the harasser. Thirdly we need to stop blaming the victims of harassment and blame the truly responsible. We need to stop asking why victims wear particular clothes. Or why they  walked in that sector of the city. The harasser will always find a reason for his behaviour. And finally, we need to raise awareness of this problem by sharing our experiences. We all know someone who has experienced street harassment. Unless we take a stand and say no this is not right the harassment will continue.

            I lived ashamed of my body since I was twelve and I do not want this to happen to my children or future nephews. Unfortunately it has happened to my sister and her friends. We all have family or friends who have been affected by this issue and will continue unless we change it.  Street harassment is not something that only occurs in Chile, it occurs worldwide. And it's so normal that we do not recognise it when it happens in our community. If you see someone being harassed rebuke him. If you know someone who does this, let him know that is not right.  One person cannot change this, but if we do not unite as a community this may never change. I challenge you to join this cause and make the streets safer for your families and friends. I challenge you to change our culture and abolish street harassment. Make a difference we need, today.

By Tatiana Andrade