January 5, 2024

2024-01-04 23:02:00

“Catcalling”. What can you do regarding verbal sexual assault in everyday life?

And I turn around once more. I feel like someone is watching me. And sure enough: there are several men behind me, at least ten years older than me. But that doesn’t seem to bother her. I squeeze my eyes shut to create a protective shield between her lewd comments and me. I clutch the key in my jacket pocket and accelerate, changing sides of the road. But they stay behind me. I notice their quick steps and their laughter very clearly.

I quickly grab my cell phone and pretend to be on the phone, telling the fictitious person my location out loud. So that the men behind me know that someone knows exactly where I am.

A situation that is everyday life for many women. When shopping, on the train, on the street. And the worst thing: it’s not illegal in Austria. We do not prosecute so-called “catcalling”, i.e. verbal sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is only punishable when touching occurs in a “sexually specific manner”. And yes: This also happens far too often. But how can you prove something like that?

Because I know for a fact that the all too close physical contact in the trolleybus, the much larger, frightening body close to mine, was no coincidence. But I don’t know the man and, above all, the situation might be seen as an accident. As always, no one saw it! Of course you would have to say something in the situation, be loud. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. I’d rather get out and wait for the next bus.

“But with such a short skirt it’s your own fault!” Or: “If you dress so revealingly, you shouldn’t be surprised!” All comments that women who speak openly regarding this issue need to hear. The clear answer to this: No, freedom of movement must never become an excuse.

And to be clear: No, the “young people” don’t dress “so revealingly” for the men. No, we don’t do this so that the male part of the population has something to stare at. We do this for ourselves! Because we like it, because it’s modern and because it’s 38 degrees in the summer. And that’s exactly why we don’t see being stared at or lewd comments as a compliment!

The fact that “you can’t talk to anyone these days” is also not true. Because most women are very happy to receive a nice and respectful compliment. The difference lies in the intention. Because typical “catcallers” do not act with the desire to get to know the woman seriously; rather, it is an exercise of supposed power and dominance.

Of course, it is important that not all men are sexually assaultive. One should definitely not generalize here. Studies even show that many men have also been victims of sexual harassment. In this case too, that is of course not okay.

Now the question of all questions: What to do regarding it? Of course it would be easiest and best if the perpetrators changed their behavior, but unfortunately we all know that this will not happen so quickly. That’s why other solutions are needed. A very important step would be to make verbal sexual harassment a criminal offense. Even if there is no physical contact, it can still be extremely stressful for those affected.

According to a survey in Germany, more than half of women feel uncomfortable or afraid at night. Many people also avoid certain places at night. This also happens in Salzburg. Many women avoid Lehener Park or the main train station if at all possible. That’s why, in my opinion, police or security forces should be much more present in such “hotspots”. The fact that there is someone who feels responsible and might intervene in an emergency would create a feeling of security.

None of these approaches will completely solve the problem. But it is important that solutions are sought and that these very unpleasant and stressful situations become more of an issue in politics and society! We finally want to be taken seriously and understood!

Elisa Wimmer is 15 years old, comes from Anthering and attends the 6th grade at the Musisches Gymnasium in Salzburg.

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