In a startling series of events, dozens of New York City women have taken to social media to recount the recent assaults they’ve endured while simply walking down the street.
Numerous women have used their TikTok platform to narrate their recent traumatic experiences, shedding light on a distributing trend that has left many questioning the state of the city’s sidewalks.
Over 15 videos have surfaced regarding women being punched in the face seemingly out of nowhere. The trend started with Halley McGookin, known as Halley Kate online. She posted a video to her large following on TikTok moments after she was assaulted, revealing her massive bump forming on her forehead. Her video now has over 50 million views, with comments expressing their support and concern for her well-being.
“I was literally just walking and a man came up and punched me in the face,” said Kate. In a later video, she further described the incident, stating: “I was just going on the sidewalk and my head was down. There was so much room on the sidewalk, literally no one was around.”
McGookin’s story was not isolated. Dozens of women duetted her video with their own chilling experiences of unprovoked attacks in New York City. The victims, who were from various neighborhoods in downtown and midtown, all shared similar stories.
Mikayla Toninato, a student at Parsons School of Design in Manhattan, shared a shockingly similar experience of being punched in the face while walking home from class. Unlike the previous incident, Toninato had her head up and was fully aware of her surroundings. However, even this vigilance wasn’t enough to prevent this attack from occurring.
Selena Pikanab, another victim of the New York City assaults, shared her unique encounter on TikTok. Pikanab was fortunate enough to have sufficient time to pull out her taser after being punched in the shoulder, effectively scaring off her attacker. However, despite her successful defense tactics, she said she was left with the psychological trauma that many of the other victims mentioned.
These assaults have sparked outrage and concern among New Yorkers, primarily women who fear for their safety walking the streets. The prevalence and frequency of these assaults have left many women feeling vulnerable and fearful, even in broad daylight.
What’s most concerning is the apparent pattern behind these assaults. Many of the victims describe walking with their heads down on their phones or just unaware of their surroundings when they were attacked. Some women have even come together to share the description of their assailant, noting similarities in the wardrobe and demeanor.
Overall, New York City’s crime rates have been down, but misdemeanor attacks are up 10.3% compared to this time last year. Fortunately, law enforcement has taken swift action in response to these attacks. As of March 30, at least three men have been arrested in connection with the assaults. Two of the men have not pleaded guilty, while the third has been released on bail.
In the wake of these events, women across New York City are on high alert to protect themselves. While some have turned to social media to share their stories and find solidarity, others are taking practical measures to stay safe. Legal options such as pepper spray, pepper guns and tasers have sadly become everyday essentials for women.
The prevalence of these assaults serves as a reminder that safety cannot be taken for granted. It is a wake-up call for New York City, as well as other urban communities, to address the root causes of violence to protect their citizens.
Women should be able to walk the streets without the looming fear of being targeted and feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods. It is the responsibility of both authorities and society as a whole to make that a reality.
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