Location: Ben’s Chili Bowl, Washington, DC
Time: Evening Rush Hour (3:30pm-7:30pm)

I had just ordered my food, and I was walking with my toddler to sit down at a table. A man came extremely close to me as though he was going to touch me saying “Come here,” and “What’s your name?” I responded, “I am having dinner with my toddler. Please leave me alone.” and tried to rush past him. A staffer came over and asked me, “Do you know this man?” When I replied “not at all,” he physically stepped between us, said something calmly and quietly to the man who was harassing me, and he escorted the man out. I’m shaken up by the experience, but so grateful for the bystander who intervened.

Submitted 10/22/15 by “JR”

Do you have a personal experience with gender-based public sexual harassment or assault? Share your story to help raise awareness about the pervasiveness and harmful effects of street harassment. All submissions are posted anonymously unless otherwise specified.

If you experience or have experienced sexual harassment on the DC Metro system: Whether the event is happening at the moment or occurred months ago, we strongly encourage you to report to Metro Transit Police (MTP): www.wmata.com/harassment or 202-962-2121. Reporting helps identify suspects as well as commons trends in harassment. You can program MTP’s number into your phone so you can easily reach them when needed.

If you need assistance in coping with public sexual harassment or assault, please contact the DC Rape Crisis Center (DCRCC) 24/7 crisis hotline at 202-333-RAPE (202-333-7279).