Be a good bystander Ever yone plays a role in street harassment. You can move from mere bystander to good bystander when you act, using just one of these Four Ds: Direct Action
inter vene directly by confronting the situation. For example, say “you’re harassing her,” or “leave him alone.” If your friends are doing the harassing, tell them you don’t think it’s funny or acceptable. Distraction take an indirect approach to inter vening by asking for the time or for directions. Delegation seek outside assistance (like a teacher or authority figure) to inter vene in the situation. Delay wait for the situation to pass and check in with the person who was targeted to make sure they are okay
Who does it affect? Many, many people. Ever yone, in fact. You are not alone. The way it affects you may be based on how you identify in terms of race, nationality, religion, gender, sexuality, ability, size, etc. For example, a young Latina woman may be harassed based on her race, age and/or gender, while someone who identifies as gay may be targeted based on sexual orientation. Regardless of the reason you get harassed, we can all agree that it doesn’t feel good.
ABOUT
Hollaback! is a movement to end street harassment. We are powered by a network of local activists around the world. We work together to better understand street harassment, to ignite public conversations, and to develop innovative strategies to ensure equal access to public spaces. We envision a world where street harassment is not tolerated and where we all enjoy equal access to public spaces.
Where does it happen? Street harassment happens all over the world. It happens on the street, of course, but also in any public space – around schools, waiting for the school bus, and on public transpor tation.
Designed by Jose Omar Valenzuela
Hollaback ! 30 3rd Avenue, #800B Brooklyn, NY 11217 347-889-5510 email: holla@ihollaback.org hollaback.org twitter: @ihollaback facebook: facebook.com/ihollaback
AGA HOLL INS ABA HAR T ST CK! ASS REET MEN T
Responding to street harassment Impact on you
Street Harassment Street harassment is sexual harassment in public spaces by a person who targets or discriminates against another person based on that person’s gender and/or sexual identity. Street harassment takes many forms, including: • whistling, leering • comments – ‘hey baby’, ‘can I get a piece of that?’, and more • physical contact – brushing up against the victim, touching, groping • non-physical contact – gestures, following, stalking, flashing, masturbating
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Street harassment impacts students emotionally and psychologically. You may wonder ‘why am I always the one targeted?’ or ‘does this happen to anyone else?’ Street harassment can: • reduce your feeling of overall safety. • make you question what you wear; where you walk; at what time of the day you go out; and if you go out alone or if you should go out at all. • affect your ability to concentrate in class. If you are being harassed to and from school, the thought of getting back home can cause stress and anxiety over the course of the day and can make you not want to go to school at all.
There is no right or wrong way to respond, and it is completely up to you to determine if you feel comfor table enough to respond in the par ticular moment. Tips: • Decide if you will respond. It’s OK if you don’t. • If you respond verbally, be firm. For example: “What you just said to me is offensive.” • Use strong body language. For example, make direct eye contact. • If they respond, do not engage in conversation. Keep moving. • Tell friends and family what happened. • Post your stor y using the Hollaback! app (available on iPhone and Android) or online at ihollaback.org. • Aler t an authority figure, such as a teacher or school administrator. • File a complaint with the police, or create a distraction by pretending you are calling the police.