Against catcalling: a chalk campaign at Frankenberg station

Today marks the fifth national day of action against catcalling, which is once again being highlighted this year by a chalk-marking campaign organised by the district – supported by the North Hesse Transport Association (NVV) and the Kurhessenbahn – at Frankenberg station. Today, so-called catcalls – that is, verbal sexual harassment reported by victims in recent years – will be written in chalk on the station forecourt to draw attention to the problem and literally ‘call out’ these abuses.

There is often a lack of awareness of verbal sexual harassment
Studies show that more than one in two women in Germany have experienced sexual harassment without physical contact at some point in their lives – such as leering, unpleasant catcalling or unsolicited and inappropriate comments. Women with a migrant background and members of the LGBTIQ* community are particularly affected.

Catcalling isn’t a compliment – but looking away isn’t either
Sexual harassment mainly takes place in public spaces. The ‘Ankreide’ campaign aims not only to remind people that comments such as “Hey, sweetie, out on your own?” or “Nice legs – where are they going?” are not compliments, but also to offer support to those affected and encourage greater civic courage in the face of sexual harassment. Because: Catcalling is not a compliment. Nor is looking away. To further support civic engagement on this issue and raise awareness of catcalling, a poster campaign was also launched in the run-up to the national day of action, implemented in collaboration with the NVV, the Kurhessenbahn and Energie Waldeck-Frankenberg (EWF). The chalk campaign is another initiative designed to draw attention to the issue.

Not an ill-advised compliment, but harassment
“By writing out the catcalls on the forecourt of the station – a busy place where many different people come together – we want to draw public attention to the reality of life for those affected,” says Miriam Drüppel, the district’s deputy women’s representative from the Women and Equal Opportunities Service. “What we are writing down here shows very clearly that these are not ill-advised compliments, but harassment, insults and attempts at intimidation.” The aim is to raise awareness that sexual harassment does not begin with physical contact, but starts with whistles, catcalls and comments. “This awareness is often lacking.”

Breaking free from the passive role of victim
The ability to report such incidents, knowing that what has happened will be made public, can help those affected to regain control over how the situation is interpreted and to break free from the passive role of victim. It also brings sexual harassment to light and raises awareness of the issue. Part of the #KeinKompliment campaign, which includes more than 40 local authorities and districts across Germany, is also to highlight the lack of legal protection: in several European countries, such as France, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, catcalling is punishable as a criminal offence or an administrative offence. In Germany, there remains a legal loophole in this regard. Anyone wishing to find out more about how to support those affected can also find further information here . There, those affected can also continue to report catcalls to the district authority anonymously.

Keywords:

Not a compliment Women’s and Equal Opportunities Service Together against violence