Street harassment is an all-too-common problem that many folks face, yet it’s often brushed aside or ignored when it happens. But the impact is real, and staying silent only allows it to continue. That’s why raising awareness is crucial. In this blog, we’ll break down what street harassment looks like, share real-life examples, and show you how to step in safely as a bystander using the 5D method. Together, we can create safer, more respectful spaces for everyone.
The definition of street harassment
Street harassment includes unwanted remarks, gestures, and actions in public spaces. This can be verbal, non-verbal, or physical. Some examples are:
- Catcalling. This involves whistling or making sexually charged comments, such as, “Hey baby, nice legs!”
- Inappropriate touching. This refers to physical contact without consent, such as suddenly grabbing someone’s arm or ‘accidentally’ touching them in a crowded space.
- Following. Persistently following someone or walking too closely behind them can feel intimidating, especially when the person cannot escape the situation.
- Cursing or threatening: Aggression in public spaces is also a form of street harassment, such as cursing, threatening, or humiliating someone because of their background, clothing choices, or sexual orientation.
- Unwanted sexual gestures: These gestures include sexual connotations, such as making kissing sounds or suggestive movements.
Anyone can experience street harassment. However, research shows that women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with physical disabilities, and those who visibly express their religious identity experience it the most frequently.
The impact of street harassment
Street harassment has psychological consequences. Recent research from the Central Bureau of Statistics (2022) in the Netherlands shows that people respond in various ways when confronted with street harassment. They often ignore the situation, avoid eye contact, or call someone. It can lead to feelings of fear, shame, anger, insecurity, and helplessness.
(The fear of) street harassment can prevent people from moving freely in public spaces. People who have experienced street harassment often avoid certain places or routines because they fear experiencing unwanted remarks, gestures or touch. In the long term, this change in everyday behaviour can have social and financial consequences, for example, loss of income that results from fear of harassment while commuting to school or work.
Bystander intervention: the 5D method
When you witness street harassment, it can be difficult to know how to help as a bystander. Fortunately, Fairspace offers five effective ways for anyone to intervene as a bystander: the 5D method. These strategies can help support the person who is experiencing harassment and de-escalate the situation. Let’s dive into the 5Ds:
- Direct
This involves directly addressing the harasser and confronting them about their behaviour. For example, by saying, “This is not okay. Leave that person alone.” This can be effective, but there might be an aggressive response. Therefore, this approach should only be used if you feel safe enough to do so. - Distract
With this method, you don’t have to confront the harasser directly. You create a distraction, shifting attention and allowing the person being harassed to exit the situation. You could, for example, pretend to ask for directions. - Document
Another option is to document the situation by taking photos or videos or writing down important details (street names, physical attributes of the person harassing, time, licence plate number, etc.). You can then share this information with the person who was harassed. This can be valuable evidence if they decide to file a police report or lodge a complaint with a bus/train company or local authority. This method has become even more valuable since July 1, 2024 when street harassment became a punishable offence in the Netherlands. - Delegate
If you want to help but cannot intervene yourself, ask others for help. This could be someone else on the street, a fellow passenger or driver on the bus, or the police if necessary. By getting help from others, you can address the issue without directly intervening yourself. - Delay
This method involves checking in with the person who was harassed after the incident. Ask how they are doing and offer your support. This shows the person that they are not alone, which can help them to process the experience.
Now that you know what street harassment looks like and how to step in when it happens, you have the power to make a difference. With these tools, you can play a part in creating safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone—one small action at a time. Let’s stand together and make our streets a place where everyone feels welcome.
Sources:
https://righttobe.org/guides/identity-and-street-harassment/
https://www.nji.nl/seksueel-grensoverschrijdend-gedrag/straatintimidatie-van-oorzaak-tot-aanpak
