I've just spent quite a bit of time reading the stories section and I feel sick in my guts. I find I get harrassed much less frequently since I moved to London, but it reminded me of what a living hell being out in public has been since I turned 14. I have been consistently whistled at, followed by men in cars, had my butt grabbed twice, my crotch once, inner thigh once, stalked,offered cash for sex on the street, called every name in the book for refusing, chased, and the inane, rude and threatening comments are countless. I've felt like my personal safety and freedom got taken away. I've responded in different ways to the touchers- I've punched, smacked, pushed and even grabbed a guy by the throat once. I don't want to be violent, but I respect myself and I can't even describe how horrible I've felt when I had to let someone get away with doing something like that to me. I told a cop I used to know about the stalker, and he was arrested eventually. He had prior stalking convictions. For awhile I carried a knife, I had a hammer under my car seat, I used to wear a walkman all the time to help me block them out. I stopped dressing up wearing stilletos years ago 'cause I can't run or fight in them. I actually feel a need to say that I was more attractive when I was younger- tall, natural blonde, decent figure, etc., but my appearance isn't really the issue and nor is my clothing. The issue is this is socially acceptable sexual harrassment and it's not our fault- why is it we seem to have no protection? Why doesn't that guy's mate sort him out? Is silence compliance?
Oh yes, this IS a serious problem for women. There doesn't seem to be a solution.