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.

 

[Dani7]

I have no other social media account other than this forum. Despite our different backgrounds, ages, cultures or nationalities it is a place where we can exchange views, learn and debate in an environment that encourages seeing both sides while adhering to a set of rules that foster tolerance and respect.

For this very important issue we all seem to be in agreement that no form of sexual harassment is ok, that sadly it exists everywhere, even on our beloved caminos and that the Guardia Civil and authorities are working to change this by supporting those that report.

If you ask any woman she will most likely have experienced some form of sexual harassment in the workplace, travelling, with known persons, relatives and people we thought loved us.

The more we report, the more we use our voice, the more men speak up to support us and teach by example, the more we educate our young children, girls and boys on what is acceptable behaviour and what is not…the more we will change our current «reality ». (I use that word to make a point). As a collective, we will no longer accept this is a reality but rather highlight that we will not tolerate it any longer. Change happens if we keep at it. And from all the posts made in this thread, looks like the consensus is that we must and we will.

What we do, what we say and how we say it…it all matters.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead

As pilgrims on the camino…let’s watch out for each other and support each other and let’s speak up, report and make a difference…because we can.

Safe and buen camino

 

[chinacat]

@Dani7

It’s been a while since I’ve heard that Margaret Mead quote - thank you for the reminder
So simple and so powerful.

 

[MikeJS]

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.

Firstly, I had already emended the number mistake.

More importantly, I think this all misses the point. I am not denying the problem of violence against women (and in fact anybody), my issue is the article targeting the camino as if it was any riskier than anywhere else.

 

[Grahammac]

Firstly, I had already emended the number mistake.

More importantly, I think this all misses the point. I am not denying the problem of violence against women (and in fact anybody), my issue is the article targeting the camino as if it was any riskier than anywhere else.

The question that has followed this very concerning initial post has certainly focused people on the problem, which is good.
Question: what should a man/woman/group do if he/she/they notice the approach of a wooded or suspect area and they see a female walking alone?

 

[bellamira]

As a collective, we will no longer accept this is a reality but rather highlight that we will not tolerate it any longer.

I'm at this point! Well said, thank you.

 

[dick bird]

Firstly, I had already emended the number mistake.

More importantly, I think this all misses the point. I am not denying the problem of violence against women (and in fact anybody), my issue is the article targeting the camino as if it was any riskier than anywhere else.

I don´t think it misses the point at all. It is the point. The quality or otherwise of the original article is irrelevant. Whether the camino is more or less risky than walking down the High Street at one o'clock in the morning or afternoon is irrelevant. The camino can be risky for women. It shouldn´t be.