Maltese Woman Tells A Series Of Harassment Stories
Over the last few weeks, many have felt comfortable moving forward and recounting their own experiences of harassment on the island of Malta.
This comes after the shocking news of the rape and brutal murder of Paulina Dembska, which allowed for a nationwide discussion on the issue, with many individuals coming forward to share their experiences, and many women calling for more. police patrols.
One of the women who filed (who wished to remain anonymous) recounted a series of harassment she experienced during her daily life – she was even asked for milk by random men on the streets while breastfeeding her baby.
The woman admitted that although the recent discussion after Paulina’s murder proved to be a great stimulus for her, she still wanted to share her experiences so that she could shed light on “the atrocities that women they have to go through it every day ”.
She told a series of stories, all of which took place in public settings and places that people frequent every day – in other words, they can’t be avoided – ranging from the young age of 12 to when she was engaged. the pregnancy of her children years later.
1. Wide light walking to a friend’s house
“I was just walking to a friend’s house in the sunlight. Men pack up and stop their cars, they seduce me. ”
“It simply came to our notice then ‘bitch‘ and said your country‘because they thought I was a stranger.’
2. At the 12-year-old bus stop
“It was summer, and I was waiting at the bus stop near the exiles when a 60-year-old Italian man stopped admiring me, as he said.”
“It simply came to our notice then. I felt so uncomfortable, as you can well imagine. As soon as I got home I tore the dress into several pieces and discarded it. I thought I was praying for her. ”
3. On the bus
“A lot of times on the bus – the nasty things the drivers told me just because I was wrong as a stranger.”
“It simply came to our notice then eeee maltija int ‘. Not to mention the school van. I remember so much that I was scared when the driver chose another route, and left me to the last. ”
4. Physical harassment in Paceville
I remember an Arab man grabbing my breasts as I was waiting for my mother to pull me to Paceville at around 11pm. ”
“I was 17. He was the first man I ever touched. How sad. ”
5. You see her mother being treated inappropriately
“My mother was touched and spoke inappropriately by a much younger doctor on her neck. In front of me and other staff. I can still see the smile on his face. I had never seen my mother so visibly uncomfortable. She is a fearless woman, but at that moment she is frozen.
“Afterwards, she told me to be quiet and not say anything because she was afraid that it would affect her position at work. “
6. Street harassment during pregnancy / lactation
“Two children later and happily married, you think these things will stop. Nah. When I was pregnant, I had men check my ass.
“Then I had men calling me to ask for milk while I was breastfeeding my baby.”
7. Teaching practice in school
“I am a PSD teacher. Back when I was still doing my teaching practice, in a boys’ public school, a colleague was strengthening me. All muscles. A typical jock. He would leave a banana on my desk. ”
“I was just a quiet girl. I never said anything. All the staff members saw this and no one did anything. Until one day he told me to “get up on my knees, and enjoy it.”
“At first I didn’t really notice, until I saw the dirty look on his face. I yelled and slapped my hand on the desk and told him I would be reporting if he ever addressed me again. He never did. ”
“And to this day I still wish you hadn’t given it a second chance and reported it right away.”
All the stories told took place in normal everyday environments, which are definitely not to be avoided, even if one tries. No one should experience feeling threatened while going about their daily life, doing mundane daily activities, and no one should feel insecure while doing so.
We need to start giving importance to these experiences, not just when they reach the point of no return.
Have you ever experienced something like this? Send your story to [email protected] if you are interested in talking about it – full confidentiality assured
If you would like to contact the authorities please contact Victim Support Malta at [email protected]
Have you had similar experiences?