In the District, street harassment is a daily part of too many people's lives. Often based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender presentation, harassment is compounded by additional layers of oppression like race, religious identity, immigration status, and housing status. 

Street harassment makes public spaces inaccessible and unsafe. Street harassment is more than a nuisance - it affects commerce and public safety, and it can lead to sexual assault and other violence. Street harassment is backed by the threat that we know 1 in 5 women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime, and these numbers are even higher for women of color and LGBTQIA+ people. 

Despite all this, the District has yet to take serious action to address harassment. With the recent increase in hate crimes in the District, we need community-based, non-criminal solutions now. It's time for DC to pass the Street Harassment Prevention Act, legislation that will:

• Create an Advisory Committee to examine the issue of street harassment in the District and make recommendations for evidence-based solutions.
• Collect data on street harassment so we can develop solutions that work for everyone.
• Create a fund for innovative programs to address street harassment by nonprofits, business associations, college organizations, and others.

The Street Harassment Prevention Act is a common sense measure that will help the District to address street harassment not through criminalization but rather through understanding and education. Join CASS and over 15 partner organizations to ask DC City Council to #PassSHPA!