Location:  Giant,1400 7th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Time:  Evening Rush Hour (3:30pm-7:30pm)

I was pushing my cart down the grocery aisle when I heard someone coming up behind me quickly. I moved over to the right to let them pass. Soon I noticed something was touching my butt, and I assumed it was just a cart or someone accidentally bumped into me. However, it didn’t take long to realize it was someone’s hand grabbing under my butt. I turned and yelled at him, and he took off running the other direction. I turned to look if anyone else in the aisle had taken notice, but they were all focused on their shopping. I stood there stunned and uncertain about what to do next.

I was only halfway through shopping, so I continued along. The longer I continued to shop, the more concerned I was when I heard someone coming up behind me. I was afraid it was going to be him again. I caught myself watching my back, but then I was concerned I looked suspicious, and someone would think I was trying to steal something. I hadn’t caught a good look at his face, and kept thinking he could be anywhere and could do it again, and I wouldn’t be able to identify him.

I am furious that someone did this to me, I was furious there wasn’t anything I could do about it, and I am even more furious that this guy got away with it and could be doing it to other people or even escalate his harassment.

Submitted 1/28/16 by “B.T.”

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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).