I’d just gotten off a long closing shift at the coffee shop where I work and was walking home. Coming towards me was a big group of young men that I could hear talking loudly before I even saw them and I remember immediately thinking “oof…trouble.”

One guy was walking right at me and I kept shifting so that I wouldn’t run into him; he kept shifting so that I would, eventually getting me up against the railing of the bridge. “Hey, can I get a hug?” he asked. I said no, or maybe just shook my head; I can’t remember. He turned to pass me, stroked my butt, and asked, “why not?” Then they all started talking at me really fast, “where are you going,” “what’s your name,” a whole bunch of questions at once.

Once I’d passed them, one other guy broke off the pack and started following me. “Hey, hold on a second, what’s your name? Want to come chill with us?” he asked. I said no and asked him to please leave me alone because I wasn’t interested. He shrugged and slapped my ass and I finally broke down and yelled “fuck OFF!” He responded by yelling “bitch, shut the fuck up!” I immediately buried my face in my hands and started to cry. I felt incredibly violated and terrified. I can’t remember the last time I was this upset. I have never felt more disrespected in my life.

Submitted by AB

Location: Duke Ellington Bridge

Time of harassment: Late Night (12A-5A)

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