My First Time

The first time I can remember getting "street harassed" was on a trip to Italy with my family when I was fourteen. We were all packed into a metro car, when suddenly, I felt a large hand move down the back side of my jeans, between my legs and onto my crotch. I was so young that I didn't realize what exactly was happening to me. I also couldn't see who the hand belonged to. Both my parents were standing within inches of me. And I had no way to move. And then after, I felt too uncomfortable about it - because I didn't understand what it meant, why someone would DO THAT in the first place - so I didn't say anything to my parents. But to this day, over ten years later, I can vividly remember the experience and how awful it made me feel. This kind of shit stays with women for a long time. Now I understand why: Unsolicited groping and fondling in public is SEXUAL VIOLENCE. -Michelle