Female Safety on Public Transportation With New Video

I have heard from my wife and many other people over and over the “horror” stories of what may and sometimes does transpire regarding males vs. females on public transportation in Bucharest. On a local news program (a subsidiary of PRO TV) there was a spot on the growing dangers of “attractive” females taking the bus. Why? Apparently some Romanian guys have been and are becoming more and more forceful on women whom they deem appropriate for their next “sexual” encounter. This works? Not likely. So here’s the deal… these Romanian males have every right to take public transportation as the next person, but where they are crossing the line is when they make lewd comments to women, and become “offended” when they don’t respond in a way the “pleases” them. Then the aggressiveness and the groping begins. In the US we would call this attempted rape, or at the very least, assault. These Romanian men have been quoted as calling it “quite normal”, “the girls love it”, and “they do it in the US”. Where on earth do they get that from….rap videos? Here are some links that may help you learn more about this, or at least shed some light on the subject:

http://forum.softpedia.com/lofiversion/index.php/t491534-0.html

http://forum.softpedia.com/lofiversion/index.php/t491534-25.html

http://life.hotnews.ro/stiri-prin_oras-4729173-mitocanul-care-simte-nevoia-pipaie-urle-fese.htm

So should you be concerned about your safety? Well, you should always be concerned about your safety! Carry pepper spray at the very least. I nor my wife have any real first hand experience with this issue, however she has had passing comments and whistles, but no touching or aggressiveness.

Before anyone sees this as an attack on Romanian guys it is most assuredly not. A friend of mine who is Romanian also is aware of this situation, and simply put “It is shameful that groups of people feel this is appropriate, and gives a bad impression about everyone else out there”. Point well put.

UPDATE:

Just recently the news programs around Bucharest have been airing many stories on this, as it has been getting worse. These incidents have spread like wildfires around busy local areas even during broad daylight. There have been reports of this even in high end areas and tourist hot spots… so although this isn’t strange stuff for cities in general (NYC and LA have their fair share too, dont get me wrong) but it can happen and does happen to anyone, anyplace, anytime here. That is what makes it so dangerous. I have included a video in here for the “proof” that we aren’t a little bit over the edge here. Don’t let it discourage you from going out, however keep in mind some simple tips:

If you have the opportunity to travel in a group or with some friends, then do so. You stand out when you are alone.

When alone, act is if you are “with” certain groups of people walking… keep pace with them.

Watch out for small groups of people that are just “staying” or “sitting” and watching people go by. With a keen eye one can spot the people who look suspicious. More often then not you can even see these same “people” whistling and making what are clearly lewd comments. Walk the other direction.

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erininpeace

I believe this does not happen with “men”. Today walking down the street a group of young boys (around 11 or 12) were playing soccer, one of them approached me, said something in Romanian, then grabbed my bottom, laughed and ran away.
http://www.globalmoneyfund.com BuchExp

You’re 100% correct… let’s all assume the word “men” in the above post does not indicate maturity level. More like “little boys”….
Lorna

I suppose they could get the idea that it is done in the US from movies and rap videos but men in the US are not generally that aggressive. Women in the US would be quick to call the cops or pull out a gun to get them to back off.
Kelsey

I agree with you guys with more often than not this is probably boys or teenagers who think this kind of behavior will impress their friends.
suzannecarlyle

omg. is that Basescu on a billboard starring at those girls in the thumbnail image?????????????????????????? hahhhha
JontyBlair

As a bloke it is hard for me to fully understand how reading this stuff must make women feel, never mind experiencing it. If I ever see it happening I am pretty sure I would have to say something or step in to offer some support to the woman.
Lynne-Teacher

Luckily I’ve not experienced anything this scary up to now. I so agree that walking confidently (and avoiding taking out a map on the streets) helps you blend in. That goes for anywhere in the world.
Dawn Diva

I just spent 20 minutes reading through the links to forums, well I don’t actually speak the language but I could make out some of the words. I have a question, are there any legal issues here regarding carrying pepper spray?
JemimaK

I don’t know for sure but have an inkling it isn’t legal. The bigger worry with pepper spray is that you could use it in the wrong situation and therefore end up in even more trouble. Personally I would recommend everyone, (yes men as well as women), develops at least a basic knowledge of self defence.
isis

I always travel in groups. My friends and I make sure to coordinate things so that we can do this. I think it is great because we rarely ever have a problem with anyone.
Paula Kent-Sheldon

It can only be a good thing that the press and TV stations are bringing attention to this issue. I have met many wonderful local people here and they are some of the kindest in the world. I’m sure most Romanians are as disgusted about the few who make life unpleasant as the foreigners are.
micky

I agree with you. I am glad to see that Romania is taking this so seriously and trying to get the word out. I think we can make a difference if we all stay informed.
Dawn Diva

I see your point but feel that it is unfair that women (and sadly it often is just the ladies), have to alter their behaviour to deal with potential safety issues. Getting the word out on unacceptable behaviour is the way forward.
Chachi

I sometimes wonder why the guys here seem so disrespectful. Why aren’t they taught any better? I just won’t go anywhere alone, if I can’t help it!
Evelyn

I have noticed since I’ve been here that there are a large group of Romanian men who have no respect for women at all. It is truly disgusting. As a single woman, I do my best not to be out on the street alone. Fortunately there are many Romanian men who are perfect gentlemen and to them I would like to say “thank you.”
Mary

I know. it’s horrible. And it’s getting worse unfortunately. Couldn’t go anywhere by myself anymore, good thing I left, so I could enjoy a normal life