Define Catcalling
Catcalling is unwelcome verbal harassment or unwanted comments, whistles, honks etc. directed at strangers in public. It typically involves someone shouting or saying offensive, obscene, demeaning or sexually suggestive remarks to someone passing by [1]. Catcalls are unsolicited and can range from wolf-whistles and vulgar comments about someone’s appearance, to threats and demands. They are usually made by men targeting women, but can also occur in other contexts. The key element of catcalling is that it’s an uninvited interaction directed at a stranger, often objectifying them or making them feel threatened or uncomfortable [2].
Why Catcalling is Problematic
Catcalling involves making unwanted comments, gestures, or noises directed at strangers in public areas. While some may try to pass it off as a compliment, catcalling often makes targets feel threatened, objectified, and harassed 1.
A qualitative study investigating the impacts of street harassment on women athletes found that 100% of participants had experienced street harassment in the form of catcalling, with the majority reporting feeling objectified, sexualized, and that their athletic abilities were undermined 2. Catcalling can promote the viewpoint that women’s bodies exist for male consumption and pleasure.
Targets frequently report feeling unsafe, anxious, angry, and degraded after being catcalled 3. The uncertainty of a stranger’s intentions can cause significant stress. Women often modify routes and behaviors in attempts to avoid areas where they have been catcalled previously.
Who Catcalls and Why
Studies show that the overwhelming majority of people who engage in catcalling and street harassment are men catcalling women. According to a study by Cornell University, 88% of women ages 18 to 24 experienced some form of sexual harassment in public spaces. The vast majority of the perpetrators were men.
This gendered dynamic stems from longstanding gender norms and power dynamics in society. Catcalling is an assertion of power, a way to make women feel intimidated or threatened for being in public spaces. The catcaller views the target as an object rather than a fellow human deserving of respect. This troubling behavior reminds women that they are seen as inferior in the eyes of some men.
By better educating young men and boys about respect, promoting gender equality, and calling out problematic behavior, society can shift away from the toxic attitudes that lead to catcalling.
Teach Kids About Respect
Starting early to teach children about gender equality and respect is key to preventing catcalling in the future. As this article discusses, it’s important to explain to children from a young age that catcalling is disrespectful and makes people feel unsafe. Parents and teachers should have open discussions with kids about consent, body autonomy, and not objectifying others. Promoting empathy and teaching boys and girls to treat each other with dignity can help foster a culture of equality and respect.
Many experts recommend starting conversations about catcalling and harassment as early as preschool or kindergarten age, in an age-appropriate way. For young kids, it can be framed as calling out “mean words” and hurtful behavior. As kids get older, more complex discussions can focus on power imbalances, sexism, and the emotional impact of street harassment. Role playing exercises can help kids understand consent and autonomy. The key is establishing mutual respect between genders from a young age.
Call Out Catcallers
One way to prevent catcalling is to directly call out the inappropriate behavior when it happens. According to Quora, confronting catcallers head on and telling them their comments are offensive and unwanted can sometimes stop the behavior. It signals that their words have real impact.
However, safely confronting harassment does require caution. As HerNorm notes, you may choose to respond loudly to clearly communicate the inappropriateness so passersby can witness and assist if needed. Having a friend or two with you can also help. The goal is to make catcallers aware their actions affect others without further endangering yourself.
Report Harassment
Reporting incidents of street harassment can help deter harassers and hold them accountable. While reporting may not always stop the harassment, it creates a record of the incident and offenders. This can empower the targets of harassment and encourage more reporting in the future.
Many cities have anti-harassment laws that allow you to file a complaint with the police when you experience street harassment. When reporting an incident, provide as many details as possible, including the location, time, harasser description, and exactly what they said and did. Apps like Hollaback! also make it easy to quickly document and report harassment.
It’s especially important to file complaints against repeat offenders when possible. If the same person harasses you or others multiple times, reporting them establishes a pattern of unacceptable behavior. This creates a stronger case for legal or disciplinary action to be taken against them.
While reporting may not eliminate catcalling altogether, it brings awareness to the issue and puts harassers on notice that it’s unacceptable. Over time, consistently reporting street harassment can help deter the behavior and promote more respect in public spaces.
Avoid Victim Blaming
One of the most common responses to catcalling is to blame the target, usually a woman, for somehow provoking the behavior through their choice of clothing, walking alone, or existing in public spaces. However, this unfairly shifts focus and responsibility away from the inappropriate actions of the catcaller. As one Facebook post points out, “Catcalling is not a compliment nor an act of being polite. It is a form of street harassment.” No one deserves to be objectified or intimidated, regardless of their outfit.
Victim blaming arises from the misguided notion that women dress for men, rather than for themselves. But a person’s choice of clothing does not justify harassment. This toxic mindset normalizes aggressive male entitlement over women’s bodies. To prevent catcalling, we must shift the focus to catcallers’ unacceptable behavior, rather than policing targets. The onus should be on respecting other people’s right to walk in public unhindered.
Support Targets
It is important to believe and empower the targets of catcalling. Many victims feel embarrassed or ashamed when catcalled, even though it is in no way their fault. According to the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA), victims of catcalling often feel objectified, angry, unsafe, and anxious after being harassed [1]. Supporting targets starts with validating their feelings and experiences instead of questioning or blaming them.
If someone shares that they’ve been catcalled, offer empathy and understanding. Ask them how you can support them in that moment – whether they need someone to talk to or just a distraction. Avoid downplaying the situation or making light of catcalling, which can minimize the target’s very real feelings of violation. It’s also important not to shame them or imply that their clothing or behavior invited the harassment.
You can help empower targets of catcalling by encouraging them to speak up if they feel safe doing so. Offer to accompany them if they want to report the harassment. But also respect their choice if they don’t want to engage with the catcaller or make a report. The most important thing is making sure the target feels heard, supported, and knows that catcalling is always wrong – no matter what.
Promote Bystander Intervention
One way to help prevent and reduce catcalling is to train people to intervene if they witness it happening. Bystander intervention programs teach people how to speak up or step in when they see problematic behaviors like harassment or assault. As this University of Florida report notes, bystander intervention training can cover skills like confronting catcallers directly, creating a distraction to interrupt the behavior, or reporting it to authorities. The goal is to empower people to take action rather than being passive bystanders. When more people are equipped with these skills, it makes public spaces less tolerant of harassment like catcalling. Potential harassers may think twice knowing others are willing to intervene.
Enact Anti-Harassment Laws
Many cities and states have laws prohibiting various forms of street harassment, but enforcement is often lacking. Advocates must push for stronger laws clearly defining catcalling and other verbal harassment as illegal, with real consequences for violators. As one example, in 2018 Philadelphia passed legislation allowing fines up to $300 for catcalling (1). While a positive step, the law still needs proper enforcement to be effective. Contact local officials and demand they prioritize passing and enforcing laws making public harassment punishable with fines or community service. With clear legal guidelines and penalties in place, law enforcement can take accusations seriously and help curb harassment.