Why Hollaback!

Because…

- If it makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s not okay.

- If you feel intimidated, you DON’T need to ‘take it as a compliment.’

- Street harassment is a gateway crime that makes other forms of gender-based violence OK.

- Studies conducted show that between 80-90% of women have been harassed in public.

- Street harassment may be the social and cultural norm, but it is far from OK. Street harassment teaches us to be silent, that taking action will only escalate the situation. While this isn’t bad advice, it has led us down a dangerous road. Ultimately, perpetrators realize they won’t be held accountable and continue to harass.

- Hollaback! is a simple, non-violent response with which you can say ‘out loud’ what happened to you, or what you saw happening.  Empower yourself through sharing your story or supporting the many people who are affected by this issue.

- We believe that by continuing to tell and map these stories, our voices will chip away at a culture that makes gender-based violence OK. Together we have the power to end street harassment, one Hollaback at a time.

 

Street harassment – ranging from cat-calls to unwanted touching, public masturbation, and more serious forms of sexual assault – is one of the most pervasive forms of gender-based violence yet one of the least legislated against.
We believe that EVERYONE has a right to feel safe and confident without being objectified.
Sexual harassment is a gateway crime that creates a cultural environment that can catalyze gender-based violence.

 

Hollaback! was designed by a group of young people who were tired of being silenced and sought a simple, non-violent response. What has emerged is a platform where thousands of stories of street harassment have been told. We believe that by continuing to tell and map these stories, our voices will chip away at a culture that makes gender-based violence OK. Together we have the power to end street harassment, one Hollaback at a time.

We’ve got your backs!!