IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT

HI WORLD !

I am member of THE EDUCATION TREE. And I would like to thank them to organise this very helpful and interactive workshop STAND UP AGAINST STREET HARRASMENT by BISMA JAVED.

Before this i had no idea how to deal with street harassment and i was helpless. I am really excited to share my experience with all of you. Let's start.

So every girl at some point have faced street harrasment. And i totally agree that boys nowadays are facing too. However the percentage for girls is way to high. We find people whistling, touching inappropriately, standing way too close, sexual comments etc. Girls go through this very often and it has really dark impact on their mental and social health. This happen to girls of every age group anytime of the day.

How street harasment affects mentally?

The incident of men harassing by touching or commenting remains in their head forever which is really depressing. It was just a touch for others and it's not a big deal but for the victim it can be trauma forever.

How street harrasment affects socially ?

Girls stop going to the particular place. If she is harassed at cafe, she won't be comfortable going their again. They quit school or college because of the harassment faced in bus on their way. All of this are invading in their social life.

Now, a study shows only 25% of people intervene when they see any harassment and 75% are willing to but they stop because of the following:

•They don't know what to do

•Think they will make it worse

•This can be personal issue

•The things can turn towards them

Here are the 5 D's one can to intervene carefully if they witness any kind of street harassment.

• DISTRACT - It is a creative way of intervening. If you see anyone uncomfortable around stranger distract them. For instance : you are in bus and witness a boy touching girl besides her inappropriately, in that case you can pretend her friend and ask her "how are you? Long time no see. " This won't offend both the victim and offender. Remember don't think it can be personal issue, violence is not tolerable no matter what the situation is.

• DELAY - If you are not able to intervene, comfort the victim. After the offender is gone ask the victim if she is alright or ask to drop her. She would be less traumatize in the future just because of your sweet gesture.

• DOCUMENT - It will be helpful if you record the incident. Keep safe distance and record landmarks that will help in identifying the location. Ask the victim what to do with the recording. Don't post online and this trend of going live these days please don't be stupid.

• DELIGATE - This is the method in which you can ask the higher authority to deal with harrasment. You can ask the manager of cafe or bus driver to take care of this. May be it won't be helpful at the very moment but can help in future.

If you are near school ask some teacher for help.

• DIRECT - This is the last method one should use. It can turn the things towards you. Still if you are confident enough just say it directly. Ask the offender to leave then alone. While using this D escalate the situation. Are you physically safe ? Do victim want anyone to intervene ?

Tell in the comment section which method you will use to intervene ?

NOW WHAT TO DO IF YOU YOURSELF FACE STREET HARASSMENT ?

TRUST YOUR INSTINCT - Their is no right or wrong way to deal with harassment. However responding to harassment either later or the very moment can help in reducing trauma. Remember don't blame yourself it's not because of you and you are not weak if you didn't respond at that moment.

RECLAIM YOUR SPACE - Your safety is first priority so if you feel comfortable then only use this method.

• Set boundary - Tell the harasser with a strong voice and look in their eyes. "Don't do that ? " Don't argue if he respond in worse way. Escalate the situation and keep yourself moving.

• Engage bystanders - It's okay to ask for help. People are willing to intervene but most of them don't know what to do. Shout "this person in white shirt is touching me inappropriately". Ask someone if they can call the police.

• Document - If the environment is safe then try clicking the picture of license plate or the scene. Speak up and share it on internet. For example - if you face harasment in office tell your story on social media may be some other girl who has faced before will also gather her strength and together you can stand up against harassment.

PRACTICE RESILIENCE - Tell yourself it's not your fault in any case. Take a pledge of responding to it next time. Share your story with your loved ones. Text your friend at the moment. Develop a quick ritual like shaking it off when it happens.

I hope i am able to educate you in one way or other. Share it with your friends to keep the moment going. Also share your story with us if you have faced anykind of harassment

Thanks.