Catcalls, whistles, and car horns all seem pretty harmless until they lead to something worse. Sexual abuse is no laughing matter even though its beginnings are small. People who sexually abuse others usually do not start out that way. It begins with theobjectifying of others and the catcalls and the whistles. Sexually abused people feel forced into silence because they feel embarrassed, they feel like it’s their fault, and they feel unsafe. Someone who has been sexually abused may experience anxiety, difficulty concentrating, guilt, anger, depression, difficulty keeping close relationships, and they may develop negative self-image. Society has allowed these survivors to fall between the cracks and a change begins with us. If you recognize these symptoms please do not hesitate to reach out to that person and let them know that you are there for them and whatever they need.
United States Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Website. (https://www.nsopw.gov/en-US/Education/RecognizingSexualAbuse?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1#adult)