Alert Solo female pilgrims be aware of creepy man by beach.

[luuuuuuuuuuu]

Yesterday (21.7.22), I was walking alone by the beach, approx 1 hour after Esposende, at approx 09.30.
I passed by 2 (local?) men on the boardwalk. Around 30 mins after this, when I was sitting alone on the beach, one of them reappeared and tried to engage with me, sitting next to me. He ignored my attempts to disengage, and I felt immediately very uncomfortable. He was mostly smiling and looking at me inappropriately. I told him “no” and asked him to leave but he didn’t. I left, and he continued to follow in my direction. I was vulnerable because it was very misty and there was no one else around.
I pretended to call a friend and waited for him to pass by. I waited, but again, he doubled back and approached me. Very fortunately, at that moment, a couple on their holidays came around the corner, and I walked with them to the nearest track and headed up to the main road.

I am absolutely adoring the Camino! And adoring doing it solo. I feel saddened and frustrated to be making a 1st post on this topic. But of course want others to be safe.

I headed for a coffee - at the nearest place (O’Lampiao - the shrine to Che Guevara), and the warm, warm welcome from owner, David, and chatting with fellow pilgrims, restored me.
Bom Camino, all. Lucy xx

 

[wayfarer]

There is continuing concern about incidents affecting female pilgrims. We reiterate the advice given by a number of pilgrim associations.

Before you set out, programme the emergency number 112 into your telephone.

If you feel threatened or uncomfortable or if you are assaulted in any way TRY TO REMOVE yourself to a place of safety immediately

Call the police – the best number to use is 112 which covers all of Portugal (and much of Europe) and which has operators who speak English.

And please REPORT all incidents to the police. Too many of these unlawful aggressions are never reported, which means that the full extent of the problem is hidden from the authorities.

 

[Bristle Boy]

There is continuing concern about incidents affecting female pilgrims. We reiterate the advice given by a number of pilgrim associations.

Before you set out, programme the emergency number 112 into your telephone.

If you feel threatened or uncomfortable or if you are assaulted in any way TRY TO REMOVE yourself to a place of safety immediately

Call the police – the best number to use is 112 which covers all of Portugal (and much of Europe) and which has operators who speak English.

And please REPORT all incidents to the police. Too many of these unlawful aggressions are never reported, which means that the full extent of the problem is hidden from the authorities.

This is, of course, great advice.
Easily readable by members and guests alike.
Perhaps for ALL new members a "welcome" package might be considered that includes this (and a few other important issues and pieces of information) by the administrators of this forum. Once assembled it is automatically sent when becoming a new member.

 

[Corned Beef]

Can't understand the mentality of these guys. And it will put people off travelling if it continues which is no help to the locals that depend on tourism.

Hope there is another peregrina out there you can buddy up with.

 

[luuuuuuuuuuu]

Thank you for the responses and encouragement to report it. I went to the PSP (police station) this morning in Viano do Castelo - 2 officers took time with me to file a thorough report. They were friendly and kind and took it very seriously. One of them interpreted for me, and they were both professional and great. They warned about similar reports around Vila Nova de Ceveira.

As this great graffiti in Viano says: “Feminism has never killed anyone. Sexism kills everyday”.

Here’s to safe travels for all, and thanks to this community. Now to return my focus to how welcoming and warm 99.9% of people in Portugal are I generally feel very safe travelling solo, and will continue, with care. Bom Camino. Lucy

 

[Camino Chrissy]

And it will put people off travelling if it continues which is no help to the locals that depend on tourism.

This is one aspect I had not thought of before and is a potential negative consequence in the future on the Caminos where these men seem to lurk.

 

[luuuuuuuuuuu]

Can't understand the mentality of these guys. And it will put people off travelling if it continues which is no help to the locals that depend on tourism.

Hope there is another peregrina out there you can buddy up with.

I hear what you’re saying, but I think when someone displays this kind of behaviour, they’re not generally thinking about their national GDP

 

[kquez]

I think the worst part about it is that these men might not even realize the discomfort they bring to the other sex.
I (young female) had a similar experience when I was at a small dining place near O'Cebreiro with my female friend. We two were doing the Camino on bike and were resting there. A guy approached us - since he was also in a biking outfit, I supposed he's a fellow bicigrino. Naturally, we had some friendly exchanges at first, and he managed to figure out our nationality.
What happened next, however, was very disturbing. While my friend and I were having our meals, the guy was sitting behind us with a group of males. He took the opportunity to translate some quite obscene words - I don't want to repeat them here - into our language using Google translate and let it pronounce it loudly. Initially, we couldn't believe our ears and just let it slip, hoping that this would stop. However, our disregard propelled him to play the sound of those words for a second time. My friend was indignant and told him that it is not funny at all. He should stop.
The guy went silent. We got no apologies. This utterly turns our stomachs and we left the place soon, feeling unsafe and unrespected. Looking back, I know that the guy might even think of himself as funny, playing a little harmless prank - after all, no one was physically hurt, right? But verbal harassment is still harassment. And would this still happen if we were accompanied by another male? And does the perpetrator want his sisters and mothers to be treated the same? Keeping the police phone numbers in mind is important, yes, but more importantly, on men's part, certain men should really develop more sympathy and true respect for the other sex.

 

[AnaRosario]

Yesterday (21.7.22), I was walking alone by the beach, approx 1 hour after Esposende, at approx 09.30.
I passed by 2 (local?) men on the boardwalk. Around 30 mins after this, when I was sitting alone on the beach, one of them reappeared and tried to engage with me, sitting next to me. He ignored my attempts to disengage, and I felt immediately very uncomfortable. He was mostly smiling and looking at me inappropriately. I told him “no” and asked him to leave but he didn’t. I left, and he continued to follow in my direction. I was vulnerable because it was very misty and there was no one else around.
I pretended to call a friend and waited for him to pass by. I waited, but again, he doubled back and approached me. Very fortunately, at that moment, a couple on their holidays came around the corner, and I walked with them to the nearest track and headed up to the main road.

I am absolutely adoring the Camino! And adoring doing it solo. I feel saddened and frustrated to be making a 1st post on this topic. But of course want others to be safe.

I headed for a coffee - at the nearest place (O’Lampiao - the shrine to Che Guevara), and the warm, warm welcome from owner, David, and chatting with fellow pilgrims, restored me.
Bom Camino, all. Lucy xx

REPORT IT PLEASE AND THANK YOU

 

[Former member 59618]

“Feminism has never killed anyone. Sexism kills everyday”.

Oh, how I love this quote.

 

[luuuuuuuuuuu]

REPORT IT PLEASE AND THANK YOU

I HAVE

 

[J F Gregory]

Can't understand the mentality of these guys. And it will put people off travelling if it continues which is no help to the locals that depend on tourism.

Hope there is another peregrina out there you can buddy up with.

Unfortunately there are people like this everywhere. Always report these as soon as possible . A quick photo helps if possible and walking sticks have been used for self defense. Also a loud whistle.

 

[ScottPilgrim]

I hear what you’re saying, but I think when someone displays this kind of behaviour, they’re not generally thinking about their national GDP

That’s right. That is predator behavior. Thank you so much for taking the time to report it! I love the graffiti! Someone should make t-shirts!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

The guy went silent.

This is the only "positive" in a disturbing situation. Hopefully he was ashamed and embarrassed by his behavior.

 

[chinacat]

I think the worst part about it is that these men might not even realize the discomfort they bring to the other sex.
I (young female) had a similar experience when I was at a small dining place near O'Cebreiro with my female friend. We two were doing the Camino on bike and were resting there. A guy approached us - since he was also in a biking outfit, I supposed he's a fellow bicigrino. Naturally, we had some friendly exchanges at first, and he managed to figure out our nationality.
What happened next, however, was very disturbing. While my friend and I were having our meals, the guy was sitting behind us with a group of males. He took the opportunity to translate some quite obscene words - I don't want to repeat them here - into our language using Google translate and let it pronounce it loudly. Initially, we couldn't believe our ears and just let it slip, hoping that this would stop. However, our disregard propelled him to play the sound of those words for a second time. My friend was indignant and told him that it is not funny at all. He should stop.
The guy went silent. We got no apologies. This utterly turns our stomachs and we left the place soon, feeling unsafe and unrespected. Looking back, I know that the guy might even think of himself as funny, playing a little harmless prank - after all, no one was physically hurt, right? But verbal harassment is still harassment. And would this still happen if we were accompanied by another male? And does the perpetrator want his sisters and mothers to be treated the same? Keeping the police phone numbers in mind is important, yes, but more importantly, on men's part, certain men should really develop more sympathy and true respect for the other sex.

Oh, I think most men who exhibit this sort of behaviour are well aware of its effects upon the women who are the ‘objects’ of it.

NB That word is very deliberately highlighted.

 

[sharonmonty]

Yesterday (21.7.22), I was walking alone by the beach, approx 1 hour after Esposende, at approx 09.30.
I passed by 2 (local?) men on the boardwalk. Around 30 mins after this, when I was sitting alone on the beach, one of them reappeared and tried to engage with me, sitting next to me. He ignored my attempts to disengage, and I felt immediately very uncomfortable. He was mostly smiling and looking at me inappropriately. I told him “no” and asked him to leave but he didn’t. I left, and he continued to follow in my direction. I was vulnerable because it was very misty and there was no one else around.
I pretended to call a friend and waited for him to pass by. I waited, but again, he doubled back and approached me. Very fortunately, at that moment, a couple on their holidays came around the corner, and I walked with them to the nearest track and headed up to the main road.

I am absolutely adoring the Camino! And adoring doing it solo. I feel saddened and frustrated to be making a 1st post on this topic. But of course want others to be safe.

I headed for a coffee - at the nearest place (O’Lampiao - the shrine to Che Guevara), and the warm, warm welcome from owner, David, and chatting with fellow pilgrims, restored me.
Bom Camino, all. Lucy xx

Take care. Can’t let this stop solo walkers. I want to do the Camino solo too

 

[sarahchicago]

I’m so sorry you were subjected to this. You showed great presence of mind and I’m so glad you were able to find your equilibrium with kind and cheerful folks. I wish you nothing but peace and tranquility and joy for the rest of your solo Camino.

 

[luuuuuuuuuuu]

I’m so sorry you were subjected to this. You showed great presence of mind and I’m so glad you were able to find your equilibrium with kind and cheerful folks. I wish you nothing but peace and tranquility and joy for the rest of your solo Camino.

Thank you for this beautiful message I am feeling super lucky and will recommend the Camino to everyone. Love to you and all

 

[sarahchicago]

Thank you for this beautiful message I am feeling super lucky and will recommend the Camino to everyone. Love to you and all

I’m planning to walk the central solo next spring. I’ll keep both your experience and your attitude in mind ; not caving to fear, looking for joy.

 

[luuuuuuuuuuu]

I’m planning to walk the central solo next spring. I’ll keep both your experience and your attitude in mind ; not caving to fear, looking for joy.

Enjoy it is a beautiful experience! And thank you again. Bom Camino for next spring!

 

[Swinslow]

Yesterday (21.7.22), I was walking alone by the beach, approx 1 hour after Esposende, at approx 09.30.
I passed by 2 (local?) men on the boardwalk. Around 30 mins after this, when I was sitting alone on the beach, one of them reappeared and tried to engage with me, sitting next to me. He ignored my attempts to disengage, and I felt immediately very uncomfortable. He was mostly smiling and looking at me inappropriately. I told him “no” and asked him to leave but he didn’t. I left, and he continued to follow in my direction. I was vulnerable because it was very misty and there was no one else around.
I pretended to call a friend and waited for him to pass by. I waited, but again, he doubled back and approached me. Very fortunately, at that moment, a couple on their holidays came around the corner, and I walked with them to the nearest track and headed up to the main road.

I am absolutely adoring the Camino! And adoring doing it solo. I feel saddened and frustrated to be making a 1st post on this topic. But of course want others to be safe.

I headed for a coffee - at the nearest place (O’Lampiao - the shrine to Che Guevara), and the warm, warm welcome from owner, David, and chatting with fellow pilgrims, restored me.
Bom Camino, all. Lucy xx

Great reporting with images and location. Very sorry for your experience and glad you are safe.

 

[luuuuuuuuuuu]

Great reporting with images and location. Very sorry for your experience and glad you are safe.

Thank you so much

 

[PNeer]

Yesterday (21.7.22), I was walking alone by the beach, approx 1 hour after Esposende, at approx 09.30.
I passed by 2 (local?) men on the boardwalk. Around 30 mins after this, when I was sitting alone on the beach, one of them reappeared and tried to engage with me, sitting next to me. He ignored my attempts to disengage, and I felt immediately very uncomfortable. He was mostly smiling and looking at me inappropriately. I told him “no” and asked him to leave but he didn’t. I left, and he continued to follow in my direction. I was vulnerable because it was very misty and there was no one else around.
I pretended to call a friend and waited for him to pass by. I waited, but again, he doubled back and approached me. Very fortunately, at that moment, a couple on their holidays came around the corner, and I walked with them to the nearest track and headed up to the main road.

I am absolutely adoring the Camino! And adoring doing it solo. I feel saddened and frustrated to be making a 1st post on this topic. But of course want others to be safe.

I headed for a coffee - at the nearest place (O’Lampiao - the shrine to Che Guevara), and the warm, warm welcome from owner, David, and chatting with fellow pilgrims, restored me.
Bom Camino, all. Lucy xx

Please report this, it will keep us all safer

 

[Bristle Boy]

Please report this, it will keep us all safer

She has...as posted upthread.

 

[CaminoFrances]

Thank you for the responses and encouragement to report it. I went to the PSP (police station) this morning in Viano do Castelo - 2 officers took time with me to file a thorough report. They were friendly and kind and took it very seriously. One of them interpreted for me, and they were both professional and great. They warned about similar reports around Vila Nova de Ceveira.

As this great graffiti in Viano says: “Feminism has never killed anyone. Sexism kills everyday”.

Here’s to safe travels for all, and thanks to this community. Now to return my focus to how welcoming and warm 99.9% of people in Portugal are I generally feel very safe travelling solo, and will continue, with care. Bom Camino. Lucy

God speed