While walking down the road, if an old man bumps against you, it need not always be ‘by mistake’. It can be street harassment. Experts say that though this is common, very few file a complaint as the perpetrator usually hides behind a veil called old age.
CHENNAI: Most women walking on the streets prefer to plug in their earphones, and continue walking with their heads down and eyes on their mobile screens. Reason? They say it helps them avoid ‘unwanted attention’ and ignore ‘crappy comments’ from old men.
“Verbal harassment is common and unavoidable. Most of us ignore it. What can we do!” says 20-year-old art student Gayathri, who commutes every day by bus. With old men passing lewd comments, lecherously singing, and in many occasions, groping and ‘brushing past’ or ‘walking into’, becoming a daily affair, many women don't recognise it as harassment because they are ‘used to it’.
There are several cases of old men, who lurk around for their next victim, and get away with abusive behaviour because of their age and grey hair. “It’s one of the most common incidents in the life of the average Indian woman. It is a clear case of male privilege and toxic masculinity at play,” shares Kirthi Jayakumar, women’s right activist-cum-lawyer.
While there are no existing statistics on the number of street harassment cases filed against old men in the city, activists say that old age cannot become a reason to trivialise it. With a strong social conditioning in our society about respecting elders, it becomes that much harder for women to report incidents of harassment by old men to their immediate family and sometimes, even friends.
Shaheen, a 30-year-old teacher, narrates her story. “I lost my father early on. Naturally, I would always look up to elderly men as a father figure,” she recalls. That’s when 60-year-old Muthuraman became her ‘travel companion’ on a local train. “He seemed like a very genuine man and I met him every day. Until one day, when the train was less crowded, he touched me inappropriately! I was shocked and afraid to call the police. I got down in the very next station and never took the train again,”
she shares.
Neither did she file a formal complaint nor did she talk about the incident to her family. “Would they believe me if I said that a 60-year-old made a move at me? I have seen in many occasions that the public doesn’t support women when she raises her voice against an older man harassing her,” she rues.
Pointing to a rise in such cases, Prasanna Gettu, founder, Crime Prevention and Victim Care, explains that it is a harasser’s trait to develop a close bond with their next victim. “There are also instances that happen unexpectedly, and observing one’s body language and primarily how they make you feel is important. If someone makes you uncomfortable, make sure you address it and not question yourself,” she adds.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell if a man is brushing against you on purpose, especially in public transports. Srinidhe, a bank employee, says, “That’s why harassers, especially older men, conveniently choose such spaces. The younger men stare even as we walk on the road or ride our vehicles. But, the old need a spot where they can escape the situation with dignity,”
she explains.
But that shouldn’t stop one from standing up for themselves, says Kirthi who beams as she talks about women who confront
their perpetrators. “I do, too. I stare them down, ask them to behave or face consequences — at which point some have retreated. But that’s only a section of women. I am aware of many who have been pressured to not do anything because of the man’s age,” she adds.
Among several reasons why complaints are not filed, two reasons stand out. One, because no action is taken, and two, age — both help the perpetrator get away. “It’s high time that society is sensitised about street harassment by older men. Age is never a factor…a harasser can be of any age and that factor is just convenient for older men,” states Prasanna.
Ruing about the current scenario, Kirthi adds, “I am yet to find a police complaint on street harassment being taken seriously enough. In some instances, friends have told me that they'd rather let it go than struggle with the trauma of chasing mindlessly after what is patently inaction.”
What should
you do...
Forget the age when you confront a harasser. Do not think of their age as a basis for you to condone their behaviour.
On the spot, make sure to use self-defense tactics to get out of dangerous situations. If someone is facing harassment, don’t hesitate to scream and make a scene. Embarrass the harasser; make sure to let people know what happened.
Head to the police station and report your rights. Yes, police stations are not really helpful, but once you report it, make it known. Share the incident on social media.
Law
Street harassment law in India is usually addressed using the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 509 of the IPC states:
“Whoever intending to insult the modesty of a woman utters any word, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object, intending that such word or sound, shall be heard, or that such gesture, or object, shall be seen, by such woman, or intrudes upon, the privacy of such woman, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend, to one year, or with fine, or with both.”
Section 294 speaks of obscene acts and language in public being punishable with imprisonment or fine or both.
Section 354 also says assault or criminal force used on a woman to outrage her modesty is punishable. There is no special legislation against a senior harasser — all the legal provisions are valid.