Location: 16th and L St NW (Farragut North)
Time: Night (7:30pm-12am)

I am on my way home from work, where, ironically, I work with a pro-woman non-profit. I stop at the I decide to grab some food before walking the two blocks to the Metro. This means, I do not walk to the Metro with my coworker. I don’t think much of this, because I am used to walking alone at night. We all have to sometimes, right? As I come out of my office, I see a group of men who I would estimate to be around 20 years of age. One of them walks in front of me with his arms spread out so he takes up more room. I try to walk around him, but he gets in front of me. I realize he is purposely blocking my path. The man calls out, “You’re a dog!” After he says this a couple of times, he stops blocking my path and goes back to his group of friends a few steps away. Then he shouts, “Let me in your pussy!” The friends join in the shouting of both of his chants, and I calmly walk to the Metro station, relieved he has stopped blocking my path. I wonder if these men had any idea that their “fun” came at my sense of freedom and safety. What is so fun about jumping in front of a woman so she can’t walk and shouting derogatory things at her? I really don’t get it. Women are supposed to be able to move freely in this country. Why don’t we work to stop this bullying, abusive behavior?

Submitted on 10/19/12 by Anonymous