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Current safety concerns

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Penny Kingma

Never Stop Trying !
Time of past OR future Camino
2016
This was posted yesterday on a Facebook page I follow .
Northern route



TW: Sexual Assault

Hey ladies!

On the Camino del Norte between Irun and Pasaia today. Was hiking the Purgatorio route and came across a man by Lehendabiziko dorrea (tower), naked and masturbating- had to run when he approached me.

While this was a scary experience and sent me into a panic attack as I kept running down the mountain.. I don’t say this to scare you. Just please pack things to be prepared. Have a whistle, pepper spray, or a weapon. Don’t be afraid to use your voice. And if you have to, drop your pack, save yourself.

Much love and stay safe.
❤️❤️
 
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Have a whistle, pepper spray, or a weapon. Don’t be afraid to use your voice. And if you have to, drop your pack, save yourself.
I believe pepper spray is illegal in Spain as is carrying a weapon with the intent of using it as a weapon.

Have AlertCops on your phone and use that as I understand it will give a GPS location and/or call 112.

I'm sorry she experienced this, very glad she was paying attention and got away.
 
I walked the Frances in 2016, with pain and physical limitations, yet confident and felt safe.
This year I walk with increased pain and limitations as well as 2 new hips and 2 new knees. The result of an waterskiing accident 8 days after my return from my 2016 camino .
These stories this year have rattled me as I know I'd never be able to get away from a situation such as this.
I'm a abuse survivor. I don't let fear STOP me .
Just feeling vulnerable.
And yes I know things occur everywhere , so please don't respond those comments.
 
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This type of behavior is beyond my comprehension. I simply don't understand why some individuals are motivated to take this course of action. Worse is the harm they do to others - the effect they have on another's psyche, emotional health, and personal enjoyment are at a minimum irresponsible and at worst completely disabling.
This is where a long, heavy walking stick would do wonders. As individuals, we need to look out for others regardless of who they are. There are reasons why some walk relatively close to others. It is not always necessary, but it may lessen the anxiety.
I am sincerely sorry you had to experience this.
 
@Penny Kingma Thanks for letting us know of this recent incident! Hope the pilgrim is able to continue on the Camino and find support and comfort in dealing with this encounter :(.

I'm closing the thread now as the alert has been given.

Moderator's note:

There is continuing concern about incidents affecting female pilgrims. We reiterate the advice given by a number of pilgrim associations.

Before you set out, download the AlertCops app and programme the emergency number 112 into your telephone.

If you feel threatened or uncomfortable or if you are assaulted in any way TRY TO REMOVE yourself to a place of safety immediately.

Call the police via AlertCops or by dialing 112 which covers all of Spain and Portugal (and much of Europe) and which has operators who speak English.

And please REPORT all incidents to the police. Too many of these unlawful aggressions are never reported, which means that the full extent of the problem is hidden from the authorities.

- Also, please do not bring pepper spray or any weapons onto the Camino. The general rule is that pepper spray and most weapons are illegal in Spain.
 
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