Like every other woman on the planet, I too live in constant fear. It makes me sick that what I fear most is my fellow man. I have been cat-called, harassed, assaulted, objectified, stalked and belittled more times than I can count. Every single day that I leave my home I endure this in one form or the other. I can feel eyes boring into my body, coating me like oil. I want to turn and scream, to lecture, to rebuke, but I’m afraid. What if it makes it worse? What if he gets mad?
It is a sad world we live in. Women are being imposed upon. Men are imposing. This is a not a women’s issue. This is a men’s issue! It’s not okay that this practice has become so common place that I often don’t even give being harassed a second thought. And now, I fear for Asher too. I must protect him. How can I protect him? I WILL protect him!
One in three girls are sexually abused. One in six boys are sexually abused.
It’s long past time that we stand up and squash this onslaught and it’s the men that need to champion this cause.
Just a girl
Six years old, bike wheels and pig tails.
You, a man, loomed at me and beckoned.
Attempted to lure and steal a kiss.
My innocent lips.
Just a girl.
Twelve years old, flowered jumper and sun kissed skin.
You, a man, dripped honey from your poison lips.
Pinched and fondled.
My budding breasts.
Just a girl.
Eighteen years old, club beats and foam party.
You, a man, slithered closer unseen.
Pressed your fingers to cold numb skin, felt too late.
Fingered my soul.
Just a girl.
Twenty-two years old, summer heat and joy filled days.
You, a man, stalked and cornered.
Grabbed and touched. A witness sighted. Fled.
Close call.
Just a girl.
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