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This article was first published 10 years ago

Have YOU been sexually harassed?

Last updated on: August 23, 2013 10:07 IST


Photographs: Rediff Archives

A few days ago, a young American student wrote on CNN.com under user name Rose Chasm that she was repeatedly sexually harassed while touring India during her three-month study programme.

While CNN.com maintains that there has been no independent verification of her many ordeals, which include being groped in a marketplace and being masturbated on in a bus, her column has racked up over 350,000 page views and set off a debate about the safety of women in India and sexual harassment -- even when it comes to visiting popular landmarks.

Yesterday, Mumbai Mirror newspaper reported that three Indian women who visited famous heritage sites in Maharashtra -- the Ajanta and Ellora caves and Daulatabad Fort -- were targeted by hooligans and have written to the state's tourism minister demanding concrete steps to ensure the safety of women at tourist spots.

Their complaints: Being verbally abused, surrounded by cat-calling hooligans and being photographed against their will.

Also read: To an American girl, an apology from India

Have you ever faced or witnessed sexual harassment while visiting a historic monument or public place in India? How did you deal with it?

What can be done to stop such gross misbehaviour and prevent the rampant eve teasing and assaults that women in India face DAILY -- particularly visitors who are more vulnerable and softer targets?

Please share your thoughts and experiences on the message board below.