Many girls and women have experienced catcalling – some even regularly. We’ll give you tips on how to defend yourself against the supposed compliments.
“Catcalling” sounds cute, but it isn’t: The term describes verbal sexual harassment in public spaces. Typical examples of catcalling are
- whistle / howl afterwards
- Appearance-related “compliments” such as “Geiler Arsch!”
- implicit or explicit requests for sexual intercourse such as “How much do you cost?” or “What are you doing today?”
One Study by the Ministry of Family According to about 44 percent of the women surveyed and 32 percent of the men surveyed have experienced sexual harassment at some point. In the case of men, this happens most frequently in the workplace, but in the case of women through strangers in public. Catcalling therefore mostly affects women.
Already knew? Verbal sexual harassment is not a criminal offense in Germany. Catcalling is only considered an insult in certain cases. This is different, for example, in France, where catcalling has been punished with fines of up to 1,500 euros since 2018. Last year there was one in Germany petition with the aim of making catcalling a criminal offense in this country as well. It was supported by over 69,000 people.
Catcalling is not a compliment and it is not your fault
Before we give you specific tips on how to defend yourself against catcalling, a few important things in advance:
- As a victim, you decide: when something is no longer a compliment for you, but a catcalling. There is no such thing as too squeamish or too sensitive.
- It’s not your fault if catcalling hits you. According to Etta Hallenga from the Women’s advice center Düsseldorf many women look for the fault in themselves. Was I wearing something wrong? Was I put on too much makeup? Should I have looked elsewhere? Behind this is also the wish that you can eliminate your own mistakes and be safe in the future. According to Hallenga, this does not work with catcalling. As already mentioned, catcalling is not a compliment (even if it sounds like it sometimes). There is no real interest in you behind this, but a show of power.
- There is no wrong reaction. All situations are different, all people are different. In particular, it is difficult to act prudently in such a distressed situation. Therefore, do not let anyone accuse you of reacting incorrectly in a situation. Rely on your gut feeling.
This is how you can defend yourself against catcalling
Hallenga and the Women’s emergency number in Munich give tips on what you can do as a victim of catcalling:
- Ignore the harassment. This can work, but it can also be unsatisfactory for you.
- Whistle back when someone whistles after you. That surprises the other person. In addition, many find it strengthening and calming to hear their own voice.
- Make it very clear to the person to stop. However, don’t ask questions like “What’s this for?” Firstly, there is probably no effective answer to this and, secondly, it can appear as if you want to start a conversation with the person.
- When catcalling from groups, Hallenga recommends targeting one person in the group. The person then often feels insecure.
You may have the nerve to fight back when other people are around. However, this can be different if you are traveling alone. If you feel threatened, call the police in an emergency – better once too often than once too little.
Tip: In many cities there are Instagram accounts such as “catcallsofmuc” in Munich. You can write to them where and how you were harassed. The activists write the harassment on the crime scene with chalk and post a picture of it on Instagram. This is how the public hears the catcalling.
What to do if you get catcalling in stuff?
If you notice catcalling as an outsider, you shouldn’t just stand by. The women’s emergency number in Munich recommends naming the crime. You don’t have to confront the perpetrator (s): in. Instead, draw the public’s attention to the process, for example by saying loudly and clearly, “This is overriding!” You can also turn to other stuff directly and ask them to take a stand (“What do you think about that?”).
Get home safely
Despite all the tips, it can happen that you are out alone at night and someone is chasing you. If you then don’t dare to say something, that is very understandable. Instead, you can pretend to be on the phone. Include your whereabouts to make it appear someone knows.
You can also get away from the Homeward phone (030 12074182) can be escorted home. A: e employee: r accompanies you to your front door and can contact the police in an emergency.
Read more on Techzle.com:
- Mental Load – The invisible overload of women & mothers
- “Be a Lady”: Viral video shows what women go through every day
- Everyday racism: If it wasn’t meant badly – Techzle.com