New York City Launches Public Survey to Combat Street Harassment
New York City is taking a stand against street harassment with the launch of a citywide public survey. The survey aims to track the prevalence and impact of street harassment on New Yorkers, providing valuable insights for city officials on potential solutions. On Wednesday, organizers and elected officials will hold a citywide day of action, gathering at various locations across all five boroughs to raise awareness about the survey.
Anne Patterson, the deputy commissioner of community initiatives and external affairs at the Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, joined Michael Hill on WNYC’s Morning Edition to discuss the survey’s significance. Patterson highlighted that national data indicates street harassment disproportionately affects women, LGBTQIA individuals, and people of color, particularly those with visible religious affiliations. The survey encompasses a broad definition of street harassment, including any unwanted language, gesture, or physical contact experienced in public spaces.
The survey itself is designed to be simple and accessible, encouraging New Yorkers to share their personal experiences of verbal or physical street harassment in the city. The collected information will inform both the Adams administration and the City Council on how best to respond to this issue. The city hopes to gather a large number of responses to facilitate a coordinated and comprehensive approach to addressing street harassment.
Wednesday’s day of action represents the culmination of a local law enacted in 2022, which established the Street Harassment Prevention Advisory Board responsible for developing the survey. While other jurisdictions, such as Washington, DC, have launched similar surveys, this marks the first time New York City is implementing such an initiative. Cities around the world that have employed similar surveys have witnessed notable changes in their responses to street harassment, and New York City is eager to see similar positive outcomes.
The Adams administration is committed to adopting interventions that extend beyond criminalization. The survey’s purpose is to explore a wide range of responses to street harassment, including community-driven and innovative approaches. Global and local examples will provide inspiration, while New York City seeks to amplify and financially support existing initiatives that address street harassment.
In conclusion, the city of New York is inviting its residents to participate in the public survey on street harassment. By sharing personal experiences, New Yorkers can contribute to a citywide response that promises to combat street harassment effectively. The survey offers an opportunity for New York City to lead the way in addressing this persistent problem, empowering individuals and communities to reclaim their public spaces.
Take the survey and join the fight against street harassment in New York City today.
