I get harassed by a strange, old man?

[Anonymous]

I‘m 29 years old and this man from my neighborhood ( I guess he is about 70 years old) is harassing and following me since I was 24. In the beginning it was just staring but since last year he has become extremely aggressive. He follows me on the street and when I look at him he looks away quickly. Once he walked on a playground and observed me from there, another time he waited outside a store where he saw me buying groceries. When I walked out he stared at me and mumbled things. Sometimes he tries to bump into me, hisses at me or calls me sexist slurs.
The problem is that it always happens in public places, so it would be pointless to call the police as I can’t prove anything. Should I confront him directly or rather not?

[Oliverlogan263]

Girl, that is really alarming and unacceptable behavior from that creepy old man. You don't deserve to feel unsafe or harassed like that. A few thoughts:

- Don't confront him directly, that could potentially make the situation worse or escalate things if he's unstable.

- Is there a neighborhood watch group or community officer you could discreetly mention this to? They may be able to monitor the situation without direct involvement yet.

- Start documenting anytime you see him (date, time, location, behaviors). Take photos from a distance if possible. This starts building a case if needed later.

- Avoid being alone outside as much as you can. Ask a friend to walk with you or drive you places if it makes you more comfortable.

- Carry pepper spray just in case - make your safety the priority here. Don't feel bad about needing to protect yourself from this creep.

- As a last resort, you may need to contact his family/next of kin and explain the situation to see if they can help intervene somehow if things escalate further. Your safety comes first sis!

Please keep me updated if anything else happens. Don't suffer in silence - there are options even if the police can't directly help yet. You've got this!

[Asker]

Thank you for your kind words :)

[Oliverlogan263]

You're so welcome sis! We have to look out for each other, you know? No one deserves to feel unsafe like that, especially not because of some creep. I'm always here if you need someone to talk to or vent about it - sometimes just getting it out helps deal with the stress.

I hope the cops can help solve the problem for good without anything escalating. Maybe they can even warn that old dude that his behavior is unacceptable and to leave you alone. You seem tough, but it's understandable to feel freaked out in your own neighborhood. Don't let the jerk win by changing your routine though!

You got this. Stay strong and remember there's always people here who've got your back. Now go treat yourself to something you like as a pick me up. And let me know the next time you see that loser so I can come "accompany" you, if you catch my drift ;). He'll think twice about messing with my sis! Try to be okay out there, okay?

[Anonymous]

So you're physically afraid of a 70 year old man?

[MsProsperity]

Yes confront him (in a public area) then record the conversation. Take it to the police

[AnAmazingGuy]

call the police. he can do anything if you mess with him. collect proof and go to police

[war_daddy]

call teh police anyway

[moneymagnet24]

Give him bj