I used to think that I had never been in sexual harassment and didn’t really think that this is a serious problem. But after having little princesses who I should take care of, I started worrying about this cruelty and audacity. When I looked back at my past, childhood, I found 3 times which I witnessed kind of sexual harassment- it was not that serious and didn’t become a trauma thing for me, but still, it was SEXUAL HARASSMENT. At that time, I was ashamed of that, I don’t know why but I thought that it was my fault and so ashamed to tell anyone else. I was scared to be kicked or discriminated against.
The first one was my relative, who was or 7 years older than me. At that time, I was 10 or 11 years old I guess. When I was around 6, his grandfather was living next to my house and we used to play together in spite of the age difference /not only 2 of us, probably 5 or 6 kids/. He was like a brother to me. On that day, he visited my apartment — I was with my grandmother and she was so good to him. I was sitting on his leg because I was a little girl and he was a brother to me. Then suddenly, he put his hand into my pants and touched my genitals. Of course, I had no idea what he is doing and I didn’t feel anything at all. But still, I remember these moments and after 10 years, I saw him, I didn't really feel well. I don’t like him.
The second one was my dance teacher. When I was in 4th grade, I participated in a Latin American dance competition and we wore dance clothes that are too tight. I went up with my teacher and he put his hand inside my dress and touched my nipple, stroking it for a few seconds maybe. At that time, I really didn’t mind it and kind of ashamed of saying anyone else. Whoever does the same to my younger sisters or brothers, I am gonna do everything against them.
The third time was on the bus. A man touched my butt and stroked it. I was 12 or 13, just like previous bouts, I thought that this is my fault and ashamed of it. I couldn’t tell anyone. That was not my fault this is not a thing that I must feel ashamed of. He is the one who did wrong and must feel ashamed. I should have screamed and told everyone what he did to me. But I couldn’t because I thought that it will make me weak or bad.
We need to teach our girls and boys, if someone touches you without your grant or allowance, this is WRONG. And this is not your fault. If someone does this, you absolutely should tell your parents, because these people are BAD PEOPLE. You should protect yourself from these people.
