I have been harassed on the street several times and step in when I see it happening to other people, as I know how it feels to have my safety and my rights compromised.

When a construction worker (I really do feel for the great labourers out there who may be getting tarnished with the ‘harasser’ brush due to their miscreant peers) looked me up and down and told me I looked hot, I replied loudly “I don’t know who you are. We’re not friends.” all without breaking stride. I put my headphones in my ears but did not put music on, so if I was being pursued I could hear it.

I have also been known several times, to intervene when it becomes obvious people are trying to ‘covertly’ ogle using their camera phones on public transport. I will move from wherever I am and position myself very obviously between the perpetrator and the victim. It helps if I carry a big handbag or a broadsheet newspaper – anything big and clunky can be advantageous in this case!!

- HD

Location: Melbourne, Australia

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