13 women share terrifying real-life stories of being followed

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of stalking/following, and stories from abuse and rape survivors. Please read with caution!

Almost every woman knows what it feels like to be followed by a stranger. In parking lots, down city streets, through parks. While we’re walking to work, or home from a restaurant, while we’re shopping in a grocery store, or a bookstore, or while we’re jogging in the middle of the day.

We have no way of knowing the motivation of the person harassing us this way. Is he a possible perpetrator, capable of violence? Is he trying to intimidate? Does he get a kick out of seeing a woman become frightened? Or is he just trying to get a good look? Whatever his reasons, we know they aren’t good.

Here are thirteen stories, courtesy of Whisper, from women who’ve been followed and how they felt.

1 Panic Attack

2 Running / Driving

3 Five

4 Hey, Mom, I’m Home

5 Hide in the Crowd

6 Does Anyone Know?

7 How it Made Me Feel

8 No Probable Cause

9 I Thought I was Going to be Raped

10 Sexual Comments

11 Refused a Date

12 Sexual Assault Survivor

13 Without a Weapon