Being 10

I was 10, my father and i went to get colours and pichkari for holi to a market which wasnt very crowded, but in a locality which wasn't very secure. i was standing right beside my father and was wearing a frock when i felt someone groping my butt, and i was shocked and startled, i looked back and this uncle was standing there with a confident smile on his face. As i tugged my dad's hand to tell him someone was behind us, he went away.. I was really angry and couldn't fathom why or what had happened to me for a long time.

Action Shero Anonymous

Place: Noida

Being 12

I was in a public bus going to school and I remember those eyes staring at me. I was in my uniform. It was a white colour physical training (PT) uniform. I remember being stared at almost the entire journey. It almost felt as if I was not wearing any clothes. I remember being so uncomfortable with my body.

There are two more such memories all between the age range of 12-15. One was where I was groped in the bus and I was too young to do any thing about it but I was so angry with myself and felt like cutting off that part of me.

The earliest experience of being violated was at such a young age that its much later in life that I realized what that man was doing. He was a half bald man, the uncle types, a man in his mid 40's and he would often come in the public bus I would travel back home in. He would give a smile, help me find a seat and then come near me and and rub his penis on my hand. I would be holding on to my school bag and my hand would be in such a position that he could easily do it. It only years later that I remembered that warm sensation on my hand and I don't know how I figured out what was actually happening.

Its not that I was unaware of things at that age. My mother has always been very particular about discussing harassment on the road and what safety measures my sister and I should take if such an event is to occur but it did not even strike me!

Action Shero Parmeet

Place: Kolkata

Being 10

I was walking to my friends house (a five minute walk from where I lived). I remember it was a Sunday, it was quiet on the streets with not a lot of traffic. I was navigating my way through the pot holes, parked cars and was happy in my world. Before I knew it some guys on motorcycle came from behind slapped my butt and before I could react they had whizzed by laughing and whistling. I just stood there for a moment in shock.

I was angry at what had just happened. I was even more angry at myself for not being able to react & defend myself.

Action Shero Anonymous

Place: Ballygunj, Calcutta , India

Being 20

 I was walking down a road in Civil Lines when a man on a scooter came up behind me, put his hand between my legs and dragged me for a few feet further. Then he looked back and laughed.

Action Shero Anonymous

Place: Civil Lines, Delhi, India

Being 13 :

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This memory sticks out in my mind so much that I can't think of what came before that: I was 13 or 14 and at water kingdom wave pool in Mumbai when 4 men surrounded me and took turns pinching me - mostly my breasts. I was first shocked - then my reaction turned into panic as I realised I was in the deep end surrounded by sniggering men until a friend saw panic in my eyes and came to help me out.

We told my mom and complained to the security but nothing got done.

Action Shero Shivangini
Place : Mumbai

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