STREET HARASSMENT: What is it?

We define street harassment as:

“Any unwanted behaviour directed at someone by a stranger in a public space.”

This can include acts such as unwanted comments, whistling, leering, sexual and racist remarks, persistent requests for someone’s name or personal information, general intimidation, threats, stalking, and indecent exposure or public masturbation, along with more physical acts of violence such as groping and sexual assault.

In many ways, street harassment is an act that forces an individual into an unwanted interaction where they become defined primarily as a sexual object or are reminded of their vulnerability in public spaces.

Street harassment is not only about sexism. It can involve racism, classism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and other forms of structural oppression.

1. Actively listen when someone shares their story

It can be difficult to speak about experiences of harassment. When someone discloses their story to you, provide a compassionate response and affirm that the experience was not their fault. Ask if there’s anything you can do to help, and let them know that you’re there to support them.

2. Do your research

Educate yourself about street harassment and the wide range of people it affects. To start, check out our social media and website for information, blogs, and our research report, A Snapshot of Street Harassment Experiences in Victoria.Educate yourself about street harassment and the wide range of people it affects. To start, check out our social media and website for information, blogs, and our research report, A Snapshot of Street Harassment Experiences in Victoria.

3. Have the conversation

Have conversations that challenge the normalisation of street harassment. If your friend catcalls someone on the street, or your family member says that street harassment isn’t a problem, talk about it with them and remind them that street harassment significantly impacts the lives of many people.

4. Get uncomfortable

Challenge your biases, acknowledge your privilege, and consider how this has affected your experiences with street harassment. Be open to understanding how street harassment can affect people from marginalised communities, such as people of colour, LGBTQIA+ folks, people with disabilities and First Nations folks.

5. Speak about your own experiences

If you're comfortable doing so, help raise awareness of street harassment by speaking about your own experiences and the realities of moving through public space. Haven't experienced harassment but witnessed it happening or have been an active bystander? Speak up about that, too.

6. Share educational content on social media

Spread awareness of street harassment by sharing content from activists and organisations on social media. Make sure to uplift the voices of those from marginalised communities, and give space for people to speak about their experiences.

7. Call out victim-blaming

Call out victim-blaming when you see it in the media, from friends, family, and those around you. Remember, harassment isn't caused by what someone is wearing, the time of day, or whether they're alone – it is caused by harassers.

8. Be an active bystander

When safe to do so, intervene in instances of street harassment when you see it occurring. You can also check in with the person afterwards: something as simple as "I saw what happened, are you okay?" can be helpful and validating to someone who has experienced street harassment.

9. Organise a community audit

Get together with your community to complete an audit of your neighbourhood and the ways in which public safety could be improved (such as more lighting or better incident reporting systems). Present the findings to your local council and encourage local-level change.

10. Join an anti-street harassment group or organisation

Connect with likeminded community members to advocate against street harassment. Keep an eye out for our volunteer roles in Melbourne, or join one of the many anti-street harassment groups around the globe. Can't find one near you? Engage with online activism, or try starting your own group!