“I was sexually harassed for two semesters in my first year at U of T from a guy who I thought was my friend. I remember the first day I met him, he was very quiet and seemed recluse. This all changed when an upperclassman decided to show us around the space we will be working with for our theatre courses. He made a remark saying we should get into the shower backstage together. I did what I was taught and nicely —but firmly— declined. This was a big mistake.

I could go on and on about the endless comments he has made to me, such as calling me a ‘waste of space’ for being a virgin, and saying he wanted to sleep with my 12 year old sister, one moment in particular will forever be engrained in my memory. This particular guy was harassing another girl, who was another target of his, he then said with his ever familiar cockiness, “women love it when you talk to them like that.” At this point, I was tired of the incredible mysoginistic comments made to myself and others so I said “No, they really don’t,” thinking my perspective as a woman will somehow stop him. Another classmate, who was a female, shot back at me “Well clearly they do because he’s sleeping with someone and you’re not.” This experience taught me how lots of women will take the side of the abuser instead of the woman being emotionally abused. Professors, fellow students, friends all noticed how withdrawn I felt and all heard his disgusting comments and did nothing. It is vital that women recognize abusive individuals and stick up for them and make sure they are doing ok. I vow to always look out for women who are being abused and stick up for them.” 

- anonymous, 19