Key takeaways
- Your safety comes first: move toward people, a shop or transport staff.
- Bystanders can help with the 5Ds: distract, delegate, document, delay, direct.
- Note the time, place and a description; film only if it’s safe.
- Many countries now criminalise harassment in public spaces; reporting is your right.
Whistles, insistent comments, being followed, touched or blocked: street harassment is part of daily life for many people, especially women. It isn’t a compliment and it isn’t your fault. More and more countries recognise it in law. Here’s what you can do, whether you’re the target or a witness.
In the moment: your safety first
- Don’t feel obliged to answer. Keep walking, toward busy places, open shops or transport staff.
- If you feel safe enough, a short, firm sentence (“Stop. Leave me alone.”) can work, without starting a discussion.
- If you’re followed, go into a shop, café or station and ask for help, or call someone and stay on the phone.
- If you’re threatened or touched, call the emergency number (see /blog/emergency-numbers-around-the-world/).
If you witness harassment: the 5Ds
Bystander programmes teach five simple options: Distract (ask the person for directions, start a conversation), Delegate (alert a security guard, a driver, a shopkeeper), Document (film from a safe distance, and give the video to the victim, never post it), Delay (check on the person afterwards), Direct (tell the harasser to stop, if it’s safe).
Documenting it safely
Evidence helps if you decide to report. Once you’re safe, write down or record a voice note of the date, time, exact place, what was said or done, and a description of the person (clothes, height, distinguishing features). If it’s safe and legal where you are, a short video or photo can help identify them. See /blog/is-it-legal-to-film-an-incident/ for what to avoid.
Ask nearby shops or transport operators to keep their CCTV footage: it’s often deleted after a few days.
What the law says
Laws differ, but many countries have made harassment in public spaces a specific offence. France introduced an offence of sexist outrage; Morocco’s Law 103-13 on violence against women, in force since 2018, criminalises sexual harassment in public spaces, with heavier penalties in some circumstances; many other countries punish sexual assault, stalking and threats. Touching someone sexually without consent is a criminal offence almost everywhere.
Reporting it
You can report to the police even if the harasser is unknown: your report helps identify repeat offenders and hot spots. Bring your notes and any evidence. Some cities and transport networks have dedicated hotlines or apps for reporting harassment on buses and trains. Our /blog/how-to-file-a-police-report/ guide explains how to prepare.
Afterwards
Harassment can leave fear and anger long after the moment. Talk about it with people you trust, and reach out to associations supporting victims of gender-based violence if you need to. Chameleon AI lets you record a voice note or description in seconds, kept encrypted on your device, so the details don’t fade if you decide to act later.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth reporting if I don’t know who the harasser is?
Yes. Reports help police spot patterns and places, and if the same person is reported again, your report can link the cases.
Can I film someone who is harassing me?
Often yes for your own protection and as evidence for the police, but rules on filming and publishing vary by country. Film only if it’s safe, and never post the video online.
What counts as street harassment?
Unwanted comments, gestures, whistles, following, insistent approaches, blocking someone’s way, exposing oneself and touching. The legal definitions vary by country.
General information to help you get organised, not legal advice. Procedures and numbers can change: confirm them with the office concerned, and in danger call your local emergency number first.
