Sexual harassment on Camino routes

[ShoshTrvls]

How many of us have dealt with stuff like this and just blew it off as the way things are? Maybe we need a poll.

I think exhibitionism happens frequently enough that many of us simply turn away and quickly walk on. At least I have. More than once. And I’ve only had a total of 17 days on the Camino.

 

[SEB2]

I think exhibitionism happens frequently enough that many of us simply turn away and quickly walk on. At least I have. More than once. And I’ve only had a total of 17 days on the Camino.

Then in light of what I posted about the Sarah Everard case perhaps we might want to consider how such exhibitionism can be a precursor for more serious sexual assaults and ensure that when we witness any similar incidents it gets reported to the police - such information gathering helps the GC to keep people safe and it may also mean that the culprit is identified and suitable action is taken, so that any woman who doesn't react with your admirable sang-froide can be spared the distress of encountering the same man doing the same thing to her subsequently. I would not presume to know your own life experience but people who have been sexually abused in the past can be triggered in that distress by coming across predatory men acting in a manner that is aimed at instilling fear.

I didn't report my encounter with the man in Castrojeriz until I learned that he was a repeat offender spoiling the day for a host of peregrinas who were passing through and was provided through this forum with a route to make a report - I apologise to the women who came after me and had to deal with him when I might have been able to stop any further attacks by taking the time to speak to the GC on the day it occurred.

 

[MikeJS]

Seriously??

yes

 

[SabsP]

yes

Come on Mike! I know from your posts that you are an intelligent and nice man so I hope you understand that this is a serious matter? You did read the posts here I hope?
We established by now that the article could use some tweaking but the essence of the story is valid.

This thread made me think about my Caminos.
I told about one incident I should have gone further with.
But then there were other encounters that I did not found " worthwile " to complain about. The whistling of one guy to me, another French guy who kept insisting on walking with me even when I told him I preferred solitude. Another man who pulled his chair too close to mine etc etc...
Again : gutfeeling!
The same gutfeeling that told me that seven male pilgrims from Italy were ok in my room. Btw they told that French guy to go away!
They were so polite to undress while I was outside. And I could undress in the bathroom and when I entered lights were out. This was all not needed but what a nice touch after that horrid day with French guy. Who was ex military and used to giving orders. Ha and then he met sarcastic me and my Italian posse.