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.

 

[dick bird]

yes

Well not really, no, firstly because you misquoted the number 9 as 5 (which undermines your point) and secondly because you write as if the nine interviewed were the only nine assaulted (obviously not the case) so some comeback was only to be expected.

Women, especially if they are on their own, are subjected to sexual harassment and assault. It happens everywhere, it happens on the camino. Whether it happens more or less on the camino is irrelevant. It shouldn't happen anywhere and we shouldn´t attempt to downplay it even if one newspaper article sensationalises it. We can at least be sympathetic and try to empathise and make some suggestions about addressing the problem.

In Spain, the Guardia Civil have put a lot of effort into making pilgrims feel safe and be safe, they deserve credit for that. The problem is that they can only enforce the law as it stands and they can't enforce it at all outside their jurisdiction, i.e. in towns and cities. There needs to be a change in the law in Spain and Portugal so that the definition of assault does not depend on physical contact and there needs to be a general policy of following up on all reports of sexual assault or harassment. That would be a start. Counselling and support for victims would also be helpful.

But nothing will happen unless the authorities perceive it as a problem, which is why reports to the police and in the press and discussion on social media are important.