As springtime approaches, more and more people can be found walking around the University of Georgiaâs campus and in downtown Athens enjoying the warmer weather. However, for women on campus, walking more often can bring unwanted attention in the form of catcalling.
Catcalling is a form of street harassment where someone whoops, whistles or yells comments of a sexual nature at another person. According to Hollaback!, an international anti-harassment organization, 67% of students have experienced harassment on their college campus.
Sally Kimel-Sheppard, executive director of The Cottage Sexual Assault Center and Childrenâs Advocacy Center, said in an email that street harassment and catcalling contributes to rape culture, creating an environment where sexual assault becomes normalized and trivialized.