Sexual Relationships 
Sexual Health 
Today, my thirteen year old sister, Maya, came home after spending a few hours at the mall with a friend and burst into tears. She stood there in the entryway, shoes and purse still on, bawling. We had no idea what was wrong. Eventually, after a few moments of calming her down, she managed to tell us why she was so upset.
Maya told us that she and her friend were walking around by themselves (they both have phones, so both of our families are completely fine with this arrangement. Just an fyi :). She wanted to go into one store, and her friend, the one right next to it. They only had 10 minutes until they had to leave so Maya suggested they just go into the stores by themselves and get what they need to. Her friend agreed, so Maya ventured into the store alone. Not even 5 minutes after she had walked in, two males who looked about 20 or 21 whistled at her. She ignored the whistles and just brushed it off as immaturity. I’m going to tell you now that she was in a sweatshirt that went mid-thigh, leggings, and Adidas Superstars. However, these boys proceeded to follow her around the store, telling her things like “lift your sweatshirt and let us see that pretty ass” and “Baby, I wanna fuck you until you can’t walk.” Maya told us that she didn’t understand some things, but the way they said them made her think they were inappropriate. When we asked her if anyone did anything, she said there were some disapproving glances but no one said anything. She said she hurried to the front of the store and out into the main part of the mall, where her friend was waiting for her. Maya didn’t tell her friend about the incident because she didn’t want her to think she was a freak or something. At this point she broke down again. “I was so scared,” she told us. “They were saying such horrible things and they wouldn’t leave me alone! What would’ve happened if I’d stayed in there longer? I was scared I was going to get raped.”
Let me remind you again that Maya is thirteen. She doesn’t look older than fourteen, at most. She is thirteen and she is scared of being raped. She is thirteen and she is being catcalled by fully grown men. I cannot express how angry I am right now about this.
In what circumstance is it okay to catcall anyone? Where do you think that will get you? Especially someone who is clearly underage?
The fact that my sister is terrified of going to her favorite place because of the chance that those men will be back is so angering to me. This mall is five minutes away from our house. This is happening in our town, to my sister, and probably many other children. Who the fuck thinks this is okay? If you do, go ahead and block me now because I’m not putting up with your bull. This is horrible and needs to be stopped.
What can we do to stop it?
For starters, continue (or start) travelling in groups. This goes for both men and women, regardless of age, build, sexual orientation, or anything else.
If you see someone looking even mildly uncomfortable, go up and ask them if they are okay. If they need help.
If you see someone being catcalled, please, please, please tell the catcallers to stop. Get involved. Other people might also get involved if they see you, so be the voice to start.
This isn’t okay. This needs to stop, and we need to stop it.
Most Helpful Girl