What is Hollaback

Take back public space! Street harassment happens everywhere but is rarely acknowledged as a serious issue. We see it as a form of violence and oppression which should not be trivialized. This is why we saw a need to take action by providing a space to share stories, build community and raise awareness.

The term ‘street harassment’ is used to describe sexual harassment which takes place in public spaces, and refers to behaviors such as staring, commenting, shouting, following, touching, grabbing, groping, flashing, assault, and violence.

Throughout history those who have experienced harassment have been denied a public voice. We can now tell our stories in our own ways without waiting for the mainstream media to pay attention!

Knowing that you are not alone, and that this behaviour is not just something you have to ignore, is the first step to making it unacceptable. The current social situation perpetuates the idea that women-identified bodies are public property, are somehow on offer, and that harassment, abuse, assault and daily fear is just the price we pay for being female. Hollaback Montreal believes that everyone has the right to feel safe and confident.

This site is a resource to allow people to share their stories without being victims, as well as to highlight just how often it happens, and to work on what we’re going to do about it; together. Working with other groups in Montreal we hope to combat the attitudes that lead to this behaviour and the outdated cultural norms that some say make it ‘okay.’

We are here to abolish the cultural acceptance of sexual harassment and to work together to make Montreal’s streets a safe and amazing place to be.

CONTACT – montreal@ihollaback.org

This post is also available in: French