Over the last few days, I’ve been verbally harassed 3 times and shouted at when cycling and running in public. It’s not the first time it has happened by any means but I feel very affected by it this week.
How do people handle this? It’s people shouting to intimidate – usually groups of young boys.
I guess this is also a rant and I’m feeling very scared. I’m a petite Asian woman living in the UK and feeling very vulnerable right now
Comments
Firstly, I would love to suggest something like a claw keychain- basically what looks like a simple metal keychain with a pointy end and holes for at least 2 fingers. Unsure of UK law regarding these things though. Secondly, I know that it is scary and intimidating and makes you feel vulnerable, it’s happened to me, but getting mad instead of scared and literally yelling “FUCK OFF, PERVERT!!” Loudly not only makes you look like less of a target but also alerts other people nearby.
For drive by shouting I generally don’t even look or react (visibly) at all. They’re doing it specifically to make you uncomfortable, I don’t like to give them the satisfaction of being acknowledged. If someone was actually following me or becoming a threat it’s different of course.