Addressing Street Harassment In The #MeToo Era

Addressing Street Harassment In The #MeToo Era

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Many women have experienced catcalling or other forms of street harassment, yet we don’t seem to be having an open conversation in this country about how often it happens, and the degree to which it does.

In a 2015 survey, 85 percent of women in the U.S. reported experiencing street harassment before age 17. Most respondents said the first instance occurred when they were 13 or 14.

Some advocates say survivors need proper support services to deal with the potential long-term impacts of harassment.

Morning Shift explores the problem of street harassment, hears stories from listeners, and talks about how we can all help prevent harassment and assault.

I once didn’t respond to a cat call from a group of dudes and they threw rocks at me.

— Kelsey (@Kelsuckz) June 13, 2018

This morning. 6:45am I walk out of my condo bldg with the dog, in exercise clothes, no makeup, just woke up. Guy we walk by says “good morning!” And makes a kissy face. He’s about 65. I’m 33. My husband joins me 2 minutes later and we pass him again. No comment this time.

— megs (@meghan1207) June 13, 2018

GUEST: Erin Walton, executive director of Rape Victim Advocates, a nonprofit dedicated to ending harassment and providing support services for victims of sexual assault

LEARN MORE:Street Harassment Statistics (Cornell University 2015)

Street Harassment And Sexual Violence Are Mobility Issues (Streetsblog Chicago 1/5/17)

Radio Host’s Offensive Tweet Shows Men Still Aren’t Prepared For #MeToo (Observer 6/13/18)