I am too old now - nobody's idea of a sexually attractive person.
Men do not look twice; they avert their eyes except in conversation.
A certain peace has entered into my life because of it.
Male salespeople now treat me with friendly respect and kindness, rather than subtly trying to flirt.
Those milder versions were not so invasive or offensive -
but they kept me constantly aware that I was viewed first as a potential sex object,
whereas I would have preferred to be viewed first as a full human being
with preferences, needs and wishes of my own which were usually very far from or opposite to theirs.
I rarely had the opportunity to help,
because I think most instances of harrassment occur away from the eyes of witnesses.
The slime-balls know that their behaviour is unwelcome before they even try.
I saw a man shouting at a woman. she was pinned against a wall and he was raising his fist.
I stopped and said, "if you land that fist I'm going straight to the Police and reporting it."
He dropped the fist and the two moved off in separate directions.
I have no idea whether there was any prior relationship between them.
But there were times when it was much worse, when I felt unsafe, and in fact was unsafe.
Travelling on public transport between home and uni, or home and work in large cities.
Bad things happened at the hands of strangers which left their mark in PTSD.
There were times when I had to leave jobs because a boss would not desist when I said no.
Women, will you share your experiences here?
Have any of you banded together to intervene and protect a sister?
Men, are there any among you who will tell us if you have ever stood up for a woman and protected her against unwelcome advances?
Benedict Arnold 