Reclaiming My Space: Reflecting on an Experience with Harassment

A few months ago, I had an experience at the gym that shook me in ways I wasn’t prepared for. It wasn’t just a violation of my personal space—it was a blatant reminder of how easily someone can take away your sense of safety, confidence, and trust.

I was minding my own business, focused on my workout, when a man decided to cross a line. As I bent over to complete an exercise, I was unaware that he had started taking photos of me from behind. It wasn’t until a young man stepped in to alert me and confronted the offender that I realized what was happening. This young man, whom I’ll forever be grateful for, demanded the photos be deleted and followed the man to ensure compliance.

In those moments, I felt so many emotions: shock, anger, humiliation. My body trembled as I tried to process what had just happened. I hated the power I’d unknowingly given to this stranger who thought it was acceptable to objectify me. And then I felt something else: shame.

Why was I embarrassed when I was the victim?

I froze. That freeze response—the inability to react or advocate for myself—hit me hard later. It’s a natural response to trauma, but in the moment, it made me feel powerless.

The gym had always been my safe space, a place where I could de-stress and focus. But in just a few seconds, this man robbed me of that comfort. Every time I returned to that gym afterward, anxiety followed me. I constantly worried about whether others were looking at me or taking photos.

I reported the incident to the gym staff, only to be met with a disappointing response. They brushed it off, allowing the man to continue his workout as if nothing had happened. Hearing that he had been reported before made it worse—it was clear that no meaningful action had been taken.

What angered me even more was the response of a female staff member who suggested that the clothes women wear could invite this kind of behavior. For the record, I was wearing a long-sleeve top and yoga pants that day. But what I was wearing shouldn’t matter. No outfit, no action, no circumstance justifies harassment or assault.

This mindset—blaming the victim instead of holding predators accountable—is why so many don’t come forward. It perpetuates a cycle where victims are silenced and predators are emboldened.

What Needs to Change

Sexual harassment and assault are unfortunately common. They happen in workplaces, schools, public spaces, and even within homes. They happen when you least expect it.

We need to create spaces where victims feel safe enough to come forward, where they know their experiences will be taken seriously, and where real action will follow. Predators must face consequences—bans, legal action, and other measures that show zero tolerance for their behavior.

Victim-blaming has no place in these conversations. The focus must always remain on the perpetrator’s actions and how to prevent harm in the future.

Moving Forward

I’m sharing this experience because I refuse to stay silent. I don’t want this to happen to anyone else—at the gym, at work, or anywhere they should feel safe.

To anyone who has experienced something similar: You are not alone. Your voice matters, and what happened to you is not your fault.

Let’s work together to build safer environments, hold predators accountable, and ensure that no one else has to feel unsafe in spaces meant for growth, relaxation, or joy.