By Heather Grossmann
DNAinfo News Editor
MANHATTAN — Street harassment of women and girls in New York City has gotten so bad that the City Council is now trying to determine whether they need to step in with legislation discouraging the frequent catcalls, lewd comments and other unwanted attentions.
The Council convened a meeting of the Committee on Women's Issues on Thursday afternoon to examine the issue and hear testimony from New Yorkers, according to Council records.
Advocates for women's rights told stories about young women being harassed outside schools and asked for the Council to intervene, the Associated Press reported.
"This is not our way of not being able to take a compliment," testified Nefertiti Martin, according to the AP. "This is an issue of safety."
Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras, the chair of the committee, told stories about how as a teenager walking around her neighborhood, she was forced to work out a strategy to avoid certain men who would routinely harass her.
"This harassment limits the rights and freedoms of women and girls to enjoy a simple walk outside," she said, the AP reported.
The group Hollaback, which aims to end street harassment of women using mobile technology, posted testimony from several high school students who could not attend the hearing because it was during school hours, but wanted their voices to be heard.
"I want to be able to live in this city without having to feel below or undermined simply because I’m a girl," read the testimony of one 11 year old.
"It is unfair that we women and even young girls, because yes, girls younger than I experience sexual harassment, have to deal with this issue daily," wrote in a 17-year-old young woman.
"Having lived in New York City all my life, I have been receiving some form of harassment since I was eight," a 15 year old wrote.
The Committee will consider the testimony and determine next steps.
