Define Catcalling
Catcalling refers to whistling, shouting, or making unwanted comments of a sexual nature directed at someone passing by in public [1]. It typically involves a man or group of men yelling at or harassing a woman or girl they do not know in a public space like a street, park, or bus stop [2]. Common examples include:
- Whistling
- Honking car horns
- Shouting sexual comments about someone’s body or appearance (“Nice ass!”, “Looking good!”, etc.)
- Making kissing or suggestive noises
- Following or stalking someone on foot
Though men and boys can be targets, catcalling is overwhelmingly aimed at women and girls. It objectifies them and treats their bodies as public property open to commentary [3].
Prevalence of Catcalling
Catcalling is an unfortunately common occurrence that affects many people. Studies have shown that the majority of women experience street harassment like catcalling in their lifetimes. According to Stop Street Harassment, 88% of women between the ages of 18-24 reported experiencing sexual harassment in public spaces. Across all age groups from ages 12 to 55 and above, wolf whistling and catcalling were among the most prevalent forms of harassment.
Research from Cornell University found that 85% of women in the U.S. endure street harassment before age 17. Studies by Stop Street Harassment revealed that over 70% of all women had experienced verbal harassment, and 41% of all women had experienced physically aggressive forms of harassment like touching, following, or being forced to do something sexual.
Younger women and girls are disproportionately targeted by catcallers. Teenage girls between the ages of 14-17 were most vulnerable to harassment. Women in their early 20’s also reported high rates of catcalling experiences. In terms of location, harassers most often targeted women in public streets, parks, and on public transportation.
Psychological Effects
Catcalling can have serious emotional and mental health impacts on its targets. Studies show that experiencing catcalling leads to increased feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, and vulnerability (https://www.modernintimacy.com/catcalling-the-impact-of-sexual-harassment-on-mental-health/). These unwanted advances often provoke a fight or flight response, putting targets on edge and making them feel unsafe, even in familiar environments.
Experiencing frequent catcalling has been linked to negative thought patterns and feelings of shame. Many targets report increased self-consciousness and hypervigilance about their bodies and appearance after being catcalled (https://christopherjferguson.com/Catcalling.pdf). This self-objectification can lead to body image issues and disordered eating. Catcalling essentially communicates to targets that their worth is based solely on their appearance.
In addition to provoking immediate distress, chronic catcalling can contribute to the development of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The ambient harassment creates a backdrop of fear that prevents targets from feeling completely safe and relaxed in public spaces. Many modify their behavior to try avoiding catcallers, which can mean forfeiting their freedom of movement and expression.
Catcalling Minors
Minors, especially pre-teen and young teen girls, are frequent targets for catcalling. Research shows that 1 in 10 girls experience catcalling before age 11 (source). Catcalling minors is especially problematic because adolescents are still developing mentally, emotionally, and socially. Receiving unwanted sexual attention at such a young age can be extremely traumatizing and lead to negative psychological effects like low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.
Experts explain that catcalling minors is particularly grievous because it is predatory, abusive, and aggressive. Minors lack the maturity and life experience to process this type of attention in a healthy way. Catcalling sends the message that a girl’s value lies solely in her appearance rather than her character or abilities. This objectification at such a young age can lead to body image issues, mental health problems, and unhealthy relationships later in life (source). Many advocates argue that catcalling minors should be considered a form of child abuse.
Relevant Laws
There are few laws that specifically prohibit catcalling in the United States. However, some laws related to harassment, disorderly conduct, or lewd behavior may apply in certain catcalling cases. For example, in California, disorderly conduct laws prohibit offensive words in a public place that can incite an immediate violent reaction (see Is catcalling legal? Here’s what California law says).
Some local ordinances also prohibit certain forms of street harassment. For instance, New York City makes it illegal to follow or harass another person in public in a manner likely to cause fear of harm (see Street Harassment and the Law).
Very few laws specifically address catcalling of minors. However, any type of sexual harassment, lewd comments, or predatory behavior directed at a minor could potentially be charged under broader child abuse, child endangerment, or child enticement laws. Parents of a minor who is a victim of repeated catcalling could also potentially file for a restraining order against the perpetrator.
Enforcement Difficulties
Catcalling is difficult to enforce laws against due to the challenge of proving incidents (1). Unlike crimes like assault or robbery, catcalling often happens quickly in passing, without physical evidence or witnesses. Many victims report feeling shocked or rattled in the moment, which can make details like the exact wording hard to recall later (2). Law enforcement may ask for descriptions of the harasser, exact location and time, and other specifics that can be difficult for victims to provide. This makes building a solid case to press charges challenging.
Even when victims can provide details, catcalling incidents often go unreported. Victims may feel catcalling is such a normalized part of life it’s not worth reporting, or they may blame themselves and feel too embarrassed to come forward (2). The brief nature of catcalls also means bystanders rarely intervene or can provide witness testimony. Underreporting impedes authorities’ ability to spot patterns and repeat offenders. Overall, the lack of evidence coupled with underreporting create substantial difficulties in enforcing laws against catcalling.
Impact on Society
Catcalling can have harmful impacts on society as a whole by promoting the objectification of women and girls. Regular exposure to catcalling helps normalize street harassment, conveying the idea that women’s bodies exist for public consumption (https://www.modernintimacy.com/catcalling-the-impact-of-sexual-harassment-on-mental-health/). This shifts accountability from the harasser to the victim, suggesting it is a woman’s responsibility to ignore or tolerate inappropriate comments about her body. Studies show that the more often someone witnesses or experiences catcalling, the more likely they are to view it as harmless, despite its dehumanizing effects.
Frequent street harassment reinforces stereotypes of women as sexual objects rather than equal citizens and human beings. It promotes the misconception that men have an unconditional right to women’s time and attention in public spaces. This infringes on women’s freedom and ability to safely occupy public areas. Overall, catcalling reflects deeper gender inequalities within society.
Anti-Catcalling Initiatives
In recent years, several education and activism efforts have emerged to deter catcalling and make public spaces safer. In New York City, the group Chalk Back began in 2015, allowing people to document their experiences of street harassment via chalk messages on sidewalks. This initiative went viral, raising awareness of catcalling nationally. Additionally, the Empower Her Voice campaign in Ireland launched in 2022 inspired by Chalk Back, using public art to end street harassment in Dublin.
Activist groups have also pushed for policy changes, with some success. In 2018, France passed a law imposing fines for catcalling women in public. Some cities in Portugal and Belgium have similar local ordinances. While enforcement remains challenging, these laws signify meaningful progress in deterring street harassment. Continued education and activism efforts are still needed to fully address public catcalling and achieve cultural change.
What To Do
If you are the target of catcalling, there are some constructive ways to respond or handle the situation:
- Ignore the catcaller and walk away. You do not owe a response.
- Tell the catcaller firmly to stop. Say “No” or “Don’t speak to me like that” in a confident tone.
- Report persistent or threatening catcalling to authorities. Look for security guards, go into a nearby store, call emergency services if needed.
- Film the incident safely as evidence. Only do so if you can without escalating the situation.
- Support others who are targeted. Step in if it’s safe, ask if they need help, be a witness.
- Vent your feelings creatively through art, writing, or with friends. Don’t bottle up emotions.
- Seek counseling if catcalling has severely impacted you. A professional can help process trauma.
While catcalling is never your fault, preparing mentally and emotionally can help you respond in an empowering way. Staying calm, acting confidently, and knowing your options gives you control. You deserve respect – don’t let catcallers intimidate or silence you.
The Bottom Line
In summary, catcalling minors is illegal in many places, though laws and social norms vary. While catcalling anyone is widely seen as unacceptable, doing so to a minor is viewed as particularly egregious as it sexualizes children and takes away their innocence. Though rarely prosecuted on its own, catcalling minors could potentially fall under laws prohibiting harassment, disorderly conduct, stalking, or corruption of a minor in some jurisdictions. Increased public awareness and new legislation specifically targeting street harassment of minors seeks to curb this behavior. The clearest answer is that catcalling minors is unethical and increasingly illegal; even where no specific law exists, one should refrain from catcalling anyone, especially children.