Residents complain to DC Council about street harassment

WASHINGTON - The D.C. Council held a first-of-its-kind hearing Thursday due to an overwhelming number of complaints about street harassment.

Many residents, especially women, are upset because they are often catcalled and verbally harassed.

Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (Ward 1) said she was spit on when she refused to give her number to a man who asked for it on a Metro platform.

Others told stories about men masturbating in front of them on the Metro.

Also in attendance at Thursday's meeting was Paris Sashay, who was brutally assaulted in October when she did not give her number to a man.

"I believe the D.C. Council should take more action because my assault and others like it often get overlooked," Sashay said.

Gay and transgender residents are also reporting harassment, usually by other men.

Ideas for addressing the problem were discussed, including getting the public more involved to stand up to the harassers.