There’s no right way to respond to street harassment. The most important thing is to put your own safety and sense of security first. Street harassment is never your fault and however you choose to respond to it is the right option for you. That being said, research has shown that taking action can have a positive influence on your emotional response.

In 2020, a group of MPs and Peers set up the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for UN Women to support UN Women’s work in the UK. The APPGs first objective was to promote and advance the UN’s Safe Spaces Now campaign, which focusses on identifying game-changing solutions for women's safety in public spaces (including online). It is now commonly accepted that women have a right to feel safe in their day to day life, particularly to feel safe from sexual harassment; yet all too often experiences of those who are subject to harassment and abuse continue to be covered up, diminished, ignored, or normalised.

A report by the APPG for UN Women titled ‘Prevalence and reporting of sexual harassment in UK public spaces’ showed that:

71% of women of all ages in the UK have experienced some form of sexual harassment in a public space. This number rises to 86% among 18-24-year-olds.

The two main reasons women of all ages cited for not reporting incidents are: “I didn’t think the incident was serious enough to report” (55%) and “I didn’t think reporting it would help” (45%)

44% of women agreed that having more confidence that reporting the incident would prevent it from happening again would encourage them to report.

1. Keep your distance

When walking behind an individual at night, remember that the closer you are, the more threatening you seem. So make sure to leave a good amount of distance between yourself and the other person.

2. Don’t run up from behind

Having someone run up behind you at night can give anyone a fright, but for those who experience gender based violence it’s terrifying. Next time you’re out for an evening jog and see an individual walking ahead… cross the road or make sure to leave a good amount of space while passing.

3. Don’t stare

If you’re by yourself, being stared at is intimidating and unsettling. Taking out your phone and focusing on something else can go a long way to showing you’re not a threat. Look out the window to focus on something else, or call a friend to have a chat.

4. Keep comments to yourself

What you might see as just a bit of fun, or even flattering, is actually harassment and can be terrifying to those walking alone at night.

5. Keep your mates in line

You may not harass someone, but if you stay quiet while your mates do then you’re part of the problem.

6. Be an active bystander

If you notice an individual is uncomfortable with someone’s behaviour, show your support by being an active bystander. It can be as simple as standing between the individual and their harasser to block their line of sight. Ask if they are OK, and back up anyone else who is intervening.

7. Share the walk

Keep the conversation going by sharing these tips, and helping others feel safer at night.

SOURCE

TRIGGER AND CONTENT WARNING: This section mentions Queerphobic PSH, Racist PSH, Underage PSH, Ableist PSH,

Queerphobic PSH

LGBTQ+ PSH Explained

LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning. The ‘plus’ represents the inclusion of all other identities that are related to sexuality and gender and the LGBTQ+ community.

Gender Identity

Stonewall’s 2017 report found that 41% of trans people had experienced a hate crime or incident in the last 12 months because of their gender identity. Transgender and non-binary people can face harassment and intrusive questions in public spaces, particularly gendered spaces.

Gender Expression

People can experience PSH targeted at how they express themselves, or how they dress, particularly if they are perceived to ‘appear LGBTQ+’

Sexuality

People who go out in public with a same-sex partner can be afraid to be themselves because of a fear of PSH. 33% of LGBTQ+ people say they don’t feel comfortable walking down the street holding their partners hand.

Everyone should have the right to be themselves in public without fear of harassment or attack. Transphobic or homophobic PSH threatens this right.

Underage PSH

Underage PSH Explained

Underage PSH is when a person who is under 18 experiences sexual harassment by a stranger, who may be much older than them, in public.

A child who experiences PSH may be more susceptible to victim-blaming. They may blame themselves or their clothes for the harassment they have faced. On the other hand, an adult will know, usually from experience, that clothes have nothing to do with responsibility and it is never your fault, no matter what you wear.

When PSH happens from a young age, we internalise it. It becomes apart of our everyday life, and we begin to accept it. But PSH is NOT normal. It is about power and control.

TRIGGER AND CONTENT WARNING: This section mentions sexual abuse, harassment and rape. If you affected by any of the subjects talked about in this section please reach out to our safeguarding team or any of the support networks we have provided. Details for both can be found at the bottom of this page.