Street Harassment as Everyday Violence

Street harassment is a form of everyday violence that reveals and conceals itself in discourses of silence, mapping onto and reflecting the web of violence that proves persistent and difficult to dismantle. Melinda A. Mills investigates women's experiences with street harassment and recognizes it as a problem that hides in plain sight.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Street Harassment as Everyday Violence: Melinda A. Mills Examines Women's Experiences
Melinda A. Mills' book Street Harassment as Everyday Violence explores the phenomenon of street harassment as a form of everyday violence. Drawing on feminist scholarship, the author examines the ways in which silence can potentially protect women from verbally assaultive men who harass them in public spaces. This violence manifests itself in the discourses of silence surrounding and during street harassment, revealing and concealing itself within the web of violence that persists and is challenging to dismantle. The book serves as an initial intervention, recognizing street harassment as a problem that is often overlooked or ignored.

Silence as a Form of Protection:
Mills argues that silence can be a form of protection for women in the face of street harassment. She draws on the work of feminist scholars who have explored the ways in which women's silence can be used to assert their power and control over their bodies and their lives. For example, women who are harassed in public may choose to remain silent in order to avoid further harassment or to avoid drawing attention to themselves. This silence can be seen as a form of resistance against the oppressive and sexist norms that perpetuate street harassment.

However, Mills also acknowledges that silence can be a double-edged sword. While it can protect women from verbal assault, it can also perpetuate the idea that women are weak and helpless. This can lead to further victimization and marginalization of women in society. Mills argues that it is important to challenge the idea that silence is a form of protection and to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Discourses of Silence:
Mills explores the discourses of silence surrounding street harassment. She argues that these discourses are shaped by a variety of factors, including gender, race, class, and sexuality. Women who are harassed in public are often silenced by their male counterparts, who may view their harassment as a joke or as a normal part of life. This silence can be reinforced by the media, which often portrays women as sexual objects and as victims of violence.

Mills also argues that the discourses of silence can be harmful to women. They can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety, and can prevent women from seeking help or support. Women who are harassed in public may feel that they are alone and that no one will believe them. This can lead to a sense of isolation and depression.

Silence and Street Harassment:
Mills argues that street harassment is a form of violence that is perpetuated by silence. She argues that the discourses of silence surrounding street harassment can make it difficult for women to report their harassment and to seek help. Women who are harassed in public may feel that they are not worthy of help or that they will be blamed for their harassment.

Mills also argues that street harassment can have a negative impact on women's physical and mental health. Women who are harassed in public may experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse and sexual assault.

Challenging the Discourses of Silence:
Mills argues that it is important to challenge the discourses of silence surrounding street harassment. She suggests that this can be done by promoting awareness of the issue, by providing support to women who are harassed, and by working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Promoting Awareness:
Mills suggests that promoting awareness of street harassment can be done by using a variety of strategies. She suggests that schools should teach students about the issue of street harassment and should provide resources to women who are harassed. She also suggests that the media should be more responsible in its portrayal of women and should not perpetuate the idea that women are sexual objects or victims of violence.

Providing Support:
Mills suggests that providing support to women who are harassed is essential. She suggests that women should be able to report their harassment to the police and should be provided with support services, such as counseling and legal assistance. She also suggests that women should be able to access safe spaces, such as women's shelters and public transportation.

Creating a More Inclusive and Equitable Society:
Mills suggests that creating a more inclusive and equitable society is essential to challenging the discourses of silence surrounding street harassment. She suggests that this can be done by promoting gender equality, by addressing racial and ethnic discrimination, and by addressing economic inequality.

Conclusion:
Melinda A. Mills' book Street Harassment as Everyday Violence is a powerful and important work that explores the phenomenon of street harassment as a form of everyday violence. The author argues that silence can be a form of protection for women in the face of street harassment, but that it can also perpetuate the idea that women are weak and helpless. Mills suggests that it is important to challenge the discourses of silence surrounding street harassment by promoting awareness, providing support, and working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. By doing so, we can help to ensure that women are safe and respected in public spaces.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666912371