--- title: Is there really any way to avoid being catcalled or... ~ Our Wave Community description: Ugh...thank you for asking this. You're right that there is unfortunately no guaranteed way to completely avoid catcalling or harassment in public. The... url: https://api.ourwave.org/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205.md --- {{customAnalyticsScripts}} [\[Image: Our Wave Logo\]\[Image: Our Wave Logo\]](/en/) [ Community ](/en/)[ Questions & Answers ](/en/learn)[ Find Support ](/en/resources) Share story Post a message 0 Users 0 Views 0 Reactions 0 Stories read ##### Need to take a break? Try a grounding activity For immediate help, visit {{resource}} Show resources for \[Image: Canada\]Canada [\[Image: United States\]United States](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=us)[\[Image: Argentina\]Argentina](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=ar)[\[Image: Australia\]Australia](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=au)[\[Image: Bolivia\]Bolivia](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=bo)[\[Image: Chile\]Chile](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=cl)[\[Image: Colombia\]Colombia](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=co)[\[Image: Costa Rica\]Costa Rica](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=cr)[\[Image: Cuba\]Cuba](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=cu)[\[Image: Dominican Republic\]Dominican Republic](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=do)[\[Image: Ecuador\]Ecuador](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=ec)[\[Image: El Salvador\]El Salvador](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=sv)[\[Image: Equatorial Guinea\]Equatorial Guinea](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=gq)[\[Image: Guatemala\]Guatemala](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=gt)[\[Image: Honduras\]Honduras](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=hn)[\[Image: Ireland\]Ireland](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=ie)[\[Image: Japan\]Japan](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=jp)[\[Image: Mexico\]Mexico](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=mx)[\[Image: Nicaragua\]Nicaragua](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=ni)[\[Image: New Zealand\]New Zealand](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=nz)[\[Image: Panama\]Panama](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=pa)[\[Image: Paraguay\]Paraguay](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=py)[\[Image: Peru\]Peru](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=pe)[\[Image: Puerto Rico\]Puerto Rico](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=pr)[\[Image: Spain\]Spain](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=es)[\[Image: United Kingdom\]United Kingdom](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=gb)[\[Image: Uruguay\]Uruguay](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=uy)[\[Image: Venezuela\]Venezuela](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=ve) English [English](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205)[Español](/es/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205)[日本語](/ja/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205) [ About Us ](https://www.ourwave.org/en/who-we-are) Made with in Raleigh, NC Read our [Community Guidelines](https://www.ourwave.org/en/community-guidelines), [Privacy Policy](https://www.ourwave.org/en/privacy), and [Terms](https://www.ourwave.org/en/terms) Have feedback? Send it to us 🇰🇼 # Is there really any way to avoid being catcalled or harassed in public? I feel like there's nothing to do except hope it doesn't happen. \[Image: Dr. Laura\] Answer by **Dr. Laura** PhD Mental Health Nurse & Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Topics:[Understanding specific types of trauma and harm](/en/learn/topics/understanding-specific-types-of-trauma-and-harm) Ugh...thank you for asking this. You're right that there is unfortunately no guaranteed way to completely avoid catcalling or harassment in public. The responsibility for this behavior lies solely with the harassers, not with those being harassed. While there are some steps one can take to potentially reduce risk, it's deeply unfair and frustrating that anyone should have to modify their behavior to avoid harassment. I want to acknowledge the injustice of this situation you bring up. No one should have to alter their routes, change their clothing, or constantly be on guard simply to exist in public spaces without being harassed. The burden of preventing harassment should fall on potential harassers and society at large, not on individuals just trying to go about their daily lives. This unfair reality can lead to feelings of anger, helplessness, and restricted freedom, which are all valid responses to an unjust situation. Despite this, some people find it helpful to be aware of certain strategies. These might include: 1. Being aware of your surroundings and trusting your instincts. 2. Projecting confidence through body language when possible. 3. Traveling with friends when you can, especially in areas or at times you feel less safe. 4. Considering using headphones to block out unwanted comments (but remain aware of your environment). 5. Having a plan for how you'll respond if it happens. 6. Avoiding engaging with harassers if you feel unsafe. 7. Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals if experiences are affecting you. That said, it's important to emphasize: - None of these guarantee prevention - It's never the victim's fault - You're not responsible for others' inappropriate behavior - Your clothing or appearance doesn't justify harassment - Not using these strategies is never an invitation for harassment. Ultimately, addressing this issue requires significant societal change and education. The focus needs to shift from teaching potential victims how to avoid harassment to teaching potential harassers about respect, consent, and the harm their actions cause. Many organizations (for example [Stop Street Harassment )](https://community.ourwave.org/_external/link?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstopstreetharassment.org%2F&resourceId=non_specific&localeId=en&countryId=us&src=answer&questionId=5bbe49d1-439f-4963-a0e6-a1d888902dd0&sig=13bddd68383c8893ffeacc84e1ed9f845b15b6a91e947c11a77863fafc9c3463) are working towards creating safer public spaces and challenging the attitudes that lead to street harassment. If you're struggling with the impact of these experiences, it's completely understandable. Consider seeking support from friends, family, or professionals. Remember, your feelings are valid, and you absolutely deserve to feel safe and respected in public spaces, without having to change who you are or how you behave. Thank you for asking this. Random Question 0 Upvote(s) Upvote(s) [ 0 Comment(s) Comment(s) ](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205#comments) ### Discard message? You have a comment in progress, are you sure you want to discard it? Cancel Discard ##### Similar community content 0 Users 0 Views 0 Reactions 0 Stories read ##### Need to take a break? Try a grounding activity For immediate help, visit {{resource}} Show resources for \[Image: Canada\]Canada [\[Image: United States\]United States](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=us)[\[Image: Argentina\]Argentina](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=ar)[\[Image: Australia\]Australia](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=au)[\[Image: Bolivia\]Bolivia](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=bo)[\[Image: Chile\]Chile](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=cl)[\[Image: Colombia\]Colombia](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=co)[\[Image: Costa Rica\]Costa Rica](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=cr)[\[Image: Cuba\]Cuba](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=cu)[\[Image: Dominican Republic\]Dominican Republic](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=do)[\[Image: Ecuador\]Ecuador](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=ec)[\[Image: El Salvador\]El Salvador](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=sv)[\[Image: Equatorial Guinea\]Equatorial Guinea](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=gq)[\[Image: Guatemala\]Guatemala](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=gt)[\[Image: Honduras\]Honduras](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=hn)[\[Image: Ireland\]Ireland](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=ie)[\[Image: Japan\]Japan](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=jp)[\[Image: Mexico\]Mexico](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=mx)[\[Image: Nicaragua\]Nicaragua](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=ni)[\[Image: New Zealand\]New Zealand](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=nz)[\[Image: Panama\]Panama](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=pa)[\[Image: Paraguay\]Paraguay](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=py)[\[Image: Peru\]Peru](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=pe)[\[Image: Puerto Rico\]Puerto Rico](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=pr)[\[Image: Spain\]Spain](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=es)[\[Image: United Kingdom\]United Kingdom](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=gb)[\[Image: Uruguay\]Uruguay](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=uy)[\[Image: Venezuela\]Venezuela](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205?country=ve) English [English](/en/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205)[Español](/es/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205)[日本語](/ja/answer/is-there-really-any-way-to-avoid-being-catcalled-or-harassed-in-public-i-feel-like-theres-nothing-to-do-except-hope-it-doesnt-happen-205) For immediate help, visit {{resource}} Made with in Raleigh, NC | Read our [Community Guidelines](https://www.ourwave.org/en/community-guidelines), [Privacy Policy](https://www.ourwave.org/en/privacy), and [Terms](https://www.ourwave.org/en/terms) | [ #### Resources ](/en/resources) ### Post a Message Share a message of support with the community. Continue We will send you an email as soon as your message is posted, as well as send helpful resources and support. Post Please adhere to our [Community Guidelines](https://www.ourwave.org/en/community-guidelines) to help us keep Our Wave a safe space. All messages will be reviewed and identifying information removed before they are posted. ### Ask a Question Ask a question about survivorship or supporting survivors. Continue We will send you an email as soon as your question is answered, as well as send helpful resources and support. Submit ### How can we help? Tell us why you are reporting this content. Our moderation team will review your report shortly. Violence, hate, or exploitation Threats, hateful language, or sexual coercion Bullying or unwanted contact Harassment, intimidation, or persistent unwanted messages Scam, fraud, or impersonation Deceptive requests or claiming to be someone else False information Misleading claims or deliberate disinformation Submit ### Share Feedback Tell us what’s working (and what isn't) so we can keep improving. Submit ### Log in Enter the email you used to submit to Our Wave and we'll send you a magic link to access your profile. Send link Grounding activity Find a comfortable place to sit. Gently close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths - in through your nose (count to 3), out through your mouth (count of 3). Now open your eyes and look around you. Name the following out loud: 5 – things you can see (you can look within the room and out of the window) 4 – things you can feel (what is in front of you that you can touch?) 3 – things you can hear 2 – things you can smell 1 – thing you like about yourself. Take a deep breath to end. From where you are sitting, look around for things that have a texture or are nice or interesting to look at. Hold an object in your hand and bring your full focus to it. Look at where shadows fall on parts of it or maybe where there are shapes that form within the object. Feel how heavy or light it is in your hand and what the surface texture feels like under your fingers (This can also be done with a pet if you have one). Take a deep breath to end. Ask yourself the following questions and answer them out loud: 1\. Where am I? 2\. What day of the week is today? 3\. What is today’s date? 4\. What is the current month? 5\. What is the current year? 6\. How old am I? 7\. What season is it? Take a deep breath to end. Put your right hand palm down on your left shoulder. Put your left hand palm down on your right shoulder. Choose a sentence that will strengthen you. For example: “I am powerful.” Say the sentence out loud first and pat your right hand on your left shoulder, then your left hand on your right shoulder. Alternate the patting. Do ten pats altogether, five on each side, each time repeating your sentences aloud. Take a deep breath to end. Cross your arms in front of you and draw them towards your chest. With your right hand, hold your left upper arm. With your left hand, hold your right upper arm. Squeeze gently, and pull your arms inwards. Hold the squeeze for a little while, finding the right amount of squeeze for you in this moment. Hold the tension and release. Then squeeze for a little while again and release. Stay like that for a moment. Take a deep breath to end. Try another grounding activity I feel grounded and ready