The other day, as I was returning home in the evening, someone followed me and said disturbing things. I was very scared, but I didn’t have the courage to call the police, fearing that something worse might happen to me. What do you think we should do in such a situation? Would filing a complaint help, or would it just make everything worse?
6 Answers
6I’ve been in a similar situation too; I was followed on my way home one night. I called the police right away, but it felt really scary at that moment. Honestly, try calling out to people nearby or shopkeepers; having someone with you boosts your courage.
You shouldn’t be afraid to complain. No one has the right to what you call disturbing words. If we don’t do this, it creates room for these guys to think that ‘everyone keeps quiet.’ Responsibility is not always ours to bear, we must not forget that.
It’s completely understandable that you might hesitate to call the police. However, it’s important to file a report in cases of verbal harassment and similar situations. You can call Alo 155 or reach out to women’s support lines outside of police stations; they can provide guidance.
Actually, at one point I took out my phone and pretended to call the police, but then I thought about whether that would have a reverse effect. The guy was already looking at me in a disturbing way. I held back so as not to escalate the situation.
Why are we walking alone in the evening anyway? Especially in our area, things are clear. Go out with someone from your neighborhood or take public transport if there’s any. Let’s not invite danger by being on our own.
Was there nobody around or, for instance, a market cafe nearby? Did you think about what would happen if you just walked in and said, ‘someone is following me’? Or did you feel so scared that you couldn’t do anything else? 