“Sexual Harassment and Assault in NYC Subways”

Girls for Gender Equity’s very own Director of Community Organizing, Meghan Huppuch, was quoted about bystander intervention in incidences of sexual harassment in an article on the New York Times’ City Room blog.

Sexual Harassment Is ‘No. 1 Quality of Life Offense’ on Subways, Police Say

Meghan testified yesterday morning on behalf of New Yorkers for Safe Transit and the Coalition for Gender Equity in Schools about the experiences of young women of color in the transit system. The NYC Council hearing, “Sexual Harassment and Assault on NYC Subways”, was held jointly by the Committees on Women’s Issues, Public Safety and Transportation.

From the article:

“The victim is feeling very alone,” said Meghan Huppuch, the director of community organizing at Girls for Gender Equity, who testified at the hearing.

A person who speaks up, Ms. Huppuch said, “is not only letting them know you are there, but also calling attention to this person, letting them know you’ve seen them.”

Also, a commenter brings up a very good point in the comments section.

How about, instead of directing these public service campaigns towards the victims of the harassment, direct them at the perpetrators? I think we should have signs on the subway that are as harsh as those warning against assaulting an MTA employee. For example: “You have no right to ogle, improperly touch, assault, or otherwise bother women on the train. If you do, you will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Sexual harassment is pervasive in society, and can be seen everywhere. By addressing it specifically in schools, the Coalition works to create an environment in which harassment can be stopped early. Obviously our hope is that this culture change will disseminate into the larger NYC population.

Added: Please see This Post on hollabacknyc for more links to news stories about sexual harassment on public transportation.