Invading Personal Space

This story comes from the Atlanta Marta Street Harassment Survey Hollaback Atlanta began last year in an effort to collect data regarding harassment on Marta and demand they establish an anti-sexual harassment policy:

“I was sitting outside waiting for my bus and there was an obviously intoxicated man who came up to me and invaded my space.  At first he was asking me about when the bus came and I was polite and told him, making sure to not give any “hey mister why dontcha come invade my personal space” vibes.  Well, he kept invading my space and I put my hand in front of me making a “don’t come any closer motion” while telling him..well, to not come any closer.  After he asked me why I was being that way, I got really pissed off and explained that my imaginary bubble was filled with pepper spray *clutching spray inside my bag* and that he would experience that with full force if he didn’t move.  As if THAT wasn’t hint enought to leave me alone.  Within seconds he was leaning in making kissing noises and he asked me if he could rest his head in my lap saying “but be careful I might just unzip you and let my tongue slide inside…” while flicking his tongue out.  I don’t know if it was because I had a really crap day, because it was the end of a really crap day…or because I had JUST missed my bus and I had to wait in the cold another 40 minutes, but I turned to him and practically yelled “STOP IT! DO NOT TALK TO ME!”  He got really embarrassed and walked away.  But I felt disgusting.  He didn’t even touch me, but I felt so dirty like I needed to jump into a shower.  That’s definitely NOT my first/only experience of marta harassment, just my most recent.  It would be nice if there was more security especially during late nights.  People shouldn’t have to worry about working late because all of the pervs are roaming around on the loose at night. ”

Ride Marta and want to share your own experiences and help us collect some data?  Take a few minutes to fill out the Marta Harassment Survey.

Hollaback Atlanta will be continuing work on this project this year and can use plenty of help.  If you’re interested in volunteering with Hollaback Atlanta then please contact us at atl@ihollaback.org.

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