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My Daugther had a run in today w/ a pevert in the Camino, on the stage between Los Arcos and Logroño. She was walking alone 8km before Viana when a pevert jumped out of a bush, naked, wearing a black balaclava masturbating himself, she started screaming a ficticius name and ran away. He was not able to run after her. He was a white chubby male aproximately 1.75m tall.
Police in Viana was contacted and went looking for the perv, my daughter is Ok but still shaken, a fellow pilgrim that she had the phone number came back and walked w/ her to Viana, but she is not sure if she wants to continue.
I’m really distressed and sad, I did the Camino in 2014 and my wife did it in 2011, we only found kindness between pilgrims and in the vilages along the way. The experience changed our lives... maybe this is a sign of the times we are living.
Buen Camino
I'm sorry to hear that and hope your daughter is doing better. That's disgusting. Even for me solo@ 66 I would have beat his willy with my stick, sprayed him with my dye mace and marked him for a week. The police would surely find him. Normally I am a passive Christian. This is an outrageous act. Desperate times call for desperate measures. That and more! Leaving Pamplona today. Buen CaminoMy Daugther had a run in today w/ a pevert in the Camino, on the stage between Los Arcos and Logroño. She was walking alone 8km before Viana when a pevert jumped out of a bush, naked, wearing a black balaclava masturbating himself, she started screaming a ficticius name and ran away. He was not able to run after her. He was a white chubby male aproximately 1.75m tall.
Police in Viana was contacted and went looking for the perv, my daughter is Ok but still shaken, a fellow pilgrim that she had the phone number came back and walked w/ her to Viana, but she is not sure if she wants to continue.
I’m really distressed and sad, I did the Camino in 2014 and my wife did it in 2011, we only found kindness between pilgrims and in the vilages along the way. The experience changed our lives... maybe this is a sign of the times we are living.
Buen Camino
"maybe this is a sign of the times we are living."
No my friend.
It is sign of all the things that oft times make me ashamed to be a man.
AEUK, if you see this, please tell your daughter I am so sorry she had to experience this, at any time, let alone on a Camino route.
Please also tell her, that the male pilgrim behind her, to her side and in front of her at this very moment, is most likely a good person and a source of help.
Buen (safe travels for you daughter) Camino
My Daugther had a run in today w/ a pevert in the Camino, on the stage between Los Arcos and Logroño. She was walking alone 8km before Viana when a pevert jumped out of a bush, naked, wearing a black balaclava masturbating himself, she started screaming a ficticius name and ran away. He was not able to run after her. He was a white chubby male aproximately 1.75m tall.
Police in Viana was contacted and went looking for the perv, my daughter is Ok but still shaken, a fellow pilgrim that she had the phone number came back and walked w/ her to Viana, but she is not sure if she wants to continue.
I’m really distressed and sad, I did the Camino in 2014 and my wife did it in 2011, we only found kindness between pilgrims and in the vilages along the way. The experience changed our lives... maybe this is a sign of the times we are living.
Buen Camino
That is so so distressing! I hope they catch the awful man. Hope your daughter has enough kind pilgrims around her to give her the support she needs.My Daugther had a run in today w/ a pevert in the Camino, on the stage between Los Arcos and Logroño. She was walking alone 8km before Viana when a pevert jumped out of a bush, naked, wearing a black balaclava masturbating himself, she started screaming a ficticius name and ran away. He was not able to run after her. He was a white chubby male aproximately 1.75m tall.
Police in Viana was contacted and went looking for the perv, my daughter is Ok but still shaken, a fellow pilgrim that she had the phone number came back and walked w/ her to Viana, but she is not sure if she wants to continue.
I’m really distressed and sad, I did the Camino in 2014 and my wife did it in 2011, we only found kindness between pilgrims and in the vilages along the way. The experience changed our lives... maybe this is a sign of the times we are living.
Buen Camino
You are a star!I just finish the Camino, a woman walking alone, and ran into one person who acted inappropriately, close to Leon on a lonely stretch of road. I hit him on the head with my walking stick, cursed him good, and he fled. Besides him I met a 1000 friendly, helpful men. It certainly didn't make me want to quit. It made me more assertive and feel more in love with all the good I encountered. .
I wish your daughter could have the courage and attitude of Lisakline. I sincerely hope she has recovered her breath, and can continue.My Daugther had a run in today w/ a pevert in the Camino, on the stage between Los Arcos and Logroño. She was walking alone 8km before Viana when a pevert jumped out of a bush, naked, wearing a black balaclava masturbating himself, she started screaming a ficticius name and ran away. He was not able to run after her. He was a white chubby male aproximately 1.75m tall.
Police in Viana was contacted and went looking for the perv, my daughter is Ok but still shaken, a fellow pilgrim that she had the phone number came back and walked w/ her to Viana, but she is not sure if she wants to continue.
I’m really distressed and sad, I did the Camino in 2014 and my wife did it in 2011, we only found kindness between pilgrims and in the vilages along the way. The experience changed our lives... maybe this is a sign of the times we are living.
Buen Camino
I feel the tone is souring on men and that simply isn't what I have ever experienced with the gents (younger and older) I've met along the way. The "flasher" appears to be an opportunist hoping to derail the spiritual journey of a passerby. Likely he hasn't been in lock step with others on a Camino, for had he been, this behavior isn't the norm or condoned. I can't agree that women are a "better source of help." Perhaps the peregrina might feel less threatened surrounded by women, but I find men to be every bit as compassionate and concerned. I was somewhat abruptly approached by a female panhandler on the Portuguese. Had I not been in a rather busy setting, I would have found her to be a bit of a source to be reckoned with alone. Europe seems to be more civilized, less gun happy, than the U. S. I maintain that those with erratic and illogical behaviors are dealing with an internal camino that is harder, longer, and more debilitating than any of us realize. I can only imagine the conversations that are going on in that poor soul's mind. "Is this a sign of the times," someone asked. I believe it is. Mental illness is a huge issue."Please also tell her, that the male pilgrim behind her, to her side and in front of her at this very moment, is most likely a good person and a source of help."
The female pilgrim behind her, to the side of her and in front of her, is a better source of help.
My Daugther had a run in today w/ a pevert in the Camino, on the stage between Los Arcos and Logroño. She was walking alone 8km before Viana when a pevert jumped out of a bush, naked, wearing a black balaclava masturbating himself, she started screaming a ficticius name and ran away. He was not able to run after her. He was a white chubby male aproximately 1.75m tall.
Police in Viana was contacted and went looking for the perv, my daughter is Ok but still shaken, a fellow pilgrim that she had the phone number came back and walked w/ her to Viana, but she is not sure if she wants to continue.
I’m really distressed and sad, I did the Camino in 2014 and my wife did it in 2011, we only found kindness between pilgrims and in the vilages along the way. The experience changed our lives... maybe this is a sign of the times we are living.
Buen Camino
Terribly! That it happens also here!My Daugther had a run in today w/ a pevert in the Camino, on the stage between Los Arcos and Logroño. She was walking alone 8km before Viana when a pevert jumped out of a bush, naked, wearing a black balaclava masturbating himself, she started screaming a ficticius name and ran away. He was not able to run after her. He was a white chubby male aproximately 1.75m tall.
Police in Viana was contacted and went looking for the perv, my daughter is Ok but still shaken, a fellow pilgrim that she had the phone number came back and walked w/ her to Viana, but she is not sure if she wants to continue.
I’m really distressed and sad, I did the Camino in 2014 and my wife did it in 2011, we only found kindness between pilgrims and in the vilages along the way. The experience changed our lives... maybe this is a sign of the times we are living.
Buen Camino
Thank you for posting this amazing app. I hadn't seen it before!
Hi Mina,So sorry to hear this. All my best wishes for your daughter. It only takes one pervert to ruin a day with many friendly pilgrims, or even an entire camino. I hope she finds the peace to decide what is best for her.
A similar incident was reported in 2016, Ivar posted about it on the forum. This happened between Belorado and Tosantos and the perp had a car. The description is eerily similar. The other victim mentioned an overweight man. It could well be that he has moved from one area to the other.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/incident-between-belorado-and-tosantos.44023/
Hi Mina,
Thanks allot for your post and link.
The similarities of the 2016 case are too much to be a coincidence.
Spoke to my daughter yesterday and she recalled seeing a white taxi parked in the road, a few minutes before encountering the perv, while the path was closer to the road.
I am pretty sure now that he is a taxi driver, this explains why he is still around, the knowledge of the area and ability to attack in a broader area.
Let’s share the message for people to be aware of a white taxi, with an overweight white individual of approximately 1.75m.
Unfortunately my daughter did not see the brand of the car because it was far but it was a “rounded” car like a Citroen not a sedan.
To All, thanks for all kind messages, my daughter decided to continue the Camino and will take onboard all the advice given.
Buen Camino!
Andre
I am so glad for her. She will know, from you, that there are distant beacons of support and encouragement. May she, and you, be peaceful as she walks on to Santiago.Hi Mina,
Thanks allot for your post and link.
The similarities of the 2016 case are too much to be a coincidence.
Spoke to my daughter yesterday and she recalled seeing a white taxi parked in the road, a few minutes before encountering the perv, while the path was closer to the road.
I am pretty sure now that he is a taxi driver, this explains why he is still around, the knowledge of the area and ability to attack in a broader area.
Let’s share the message for people to be aware of a white taxi, with an overweight white individual of approximately 1.75m.
Unfortunately my daughter did not see the brand of the car because it was far but it was a “rounded” car like a Citroen not a sedan.
To All, thanks for all kind messages, my daughter decided to continue the Camino and will take onboard all the advice given.
Buen Camino!
Andre
Hi Mina,
Thanks allot for your post and link.
The similarities of the 2016 case are too much to be a coincidence.
Spoke to my daughter yesterday and she recalled seeing a white taxi parked in the road, a few minutes before encountering the perv, while the path was closer to the road.
I am pretty sure now that he is a taxi driver, this explains why he is still around, the knowledge of the area and ability to attack in a broader area.
Let’s share the message for people to be aware of a white taxi, with an overweight white individual of approximately 1.75m.
Unfortunately my daughter did not see the brand of the car because it was far but it was a “rounded” car like a Citroen not a sedan.
To All, thanks for all kind messages, my daughter decided to continue the Camino and will take onboard all the advice given.
Buen Camino!
Andre
When I walked in 2017, there was a similar instance in the area between Sansol and Torres del Rio.....naked guy jumped out of the bushes, was masturbating, etc. It didn't happen to me, but I read about it after we were through Logroño. My understanding was that the woman involved called police, they looked for him - whatever. One would think if this type of thing happens repeatedly in those small towns, the police and the populace would have some idea who the perv is. I'm going again this fall, but I might just be carrying personal pepper spray with me.....sad, but a sign of the times.My Daugther had a run in today w/ a pevert in the Camino, on the stage between Los Arcos and Logroño. She was walking alone 8km before Viana when a pevert jumped out of a bush, naked, wearing a black balaclava masturbating himself, she started screaming a ficticius name and ran away. He was not able to run after her. He was a white chubby male aproximately 1.75m tall.
Police in Viana was contacted and went looking for the perv, my daughter is Ok but still shaken, a fellow pilgrim that she had the phone number came back and walked w/ her to Viana, but she is not sure if she wants to continue.
I’m really distressed and sad, I did the Camino in 2014 and my wife did it in 2011, we only found kindness between pilgrims and in the vilages along the way. The experience changed our lives... maybe this is a sign of the times we are living.
Buen Camino
Thx for sharing the app.There is continuing concern about incidents affecting female pilgrims. We reiterate the advice given by a number of pilgrim associations and the Spanish authorities:
Before you set out, programme the emergency number 112 into your telephone.
Consider downloading this App issued by the Spanish government:
https://alertcops.ses.mir.es/mialertcops/info/info.xhtml
The app allows anyone in Spain to send an alert from a mobile device "smartphone'"straight to the police..
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 – the best number to use is 112 which covers all of Spain (and much of Europe) and which has operators who speak English.
And please, 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.
Yeah I’m doing the Portuguese Coastal on June 1 . Im taking a panic button with a really loud alarm, Pepper spray and a TazerI'm sorry to hear that and hope your daughter is doing better. That's disgusting. Even for me solo@ 66 I would have beat his willy with my stick, sprayed him with my dye mace and marked him for a week. The police would surely find him. Normally I am a passive Christian. This is an outrageous act. Desperate times call for desperate measures. That and more! Leaving Pamplona today. Buen Camino
I had the same experience in the same area and in Portugal between Lisbon and Porto.My Daugther had a run in today w/ a pevert in the Camino, on the stage between Los Arcos and Logroño. She was walking alone 8km before Viana when a pevert jumped out of a bush, naked, wearing a black balaclava masturbating himself, she started screaming a ficticius name and ran away. He was not able to run after her. He was a white chubby male aproximately 1.75m tall.
Police in Viana was contacted and went looking for the perv, my daughter is Ok but still shaken, a fellow pilgrim that she had the phone number came back and walked w/ her to Viana, but she is not sure if she wants to continue.
I’m really distressed and sad, I did the Camino in 2014 and my wife did it in 2011, we only found kindness between pilgrims and in the vilages along the way. The experience changed our lives... maybe this is a sign of the times we are living.
Buen Camino
There are currently two pilgrims’ reports of very similar experiences on the Via De La Plata. I hope it doesn’t Increase. I have no reason to not believe them.Wow! New twist , no pun intended, to this business.
Don’t have reason to believe this one is not accurate...so don’t take it as such...but
Seems this guy would need:
1. Clothes close by
2. Time to dress
3. A means of transportation away bike, car etc
4. Have reasonable knowledge of trail
5. Have knowledge when to perform etc
Heard of all sorts. But this one is rather strange
Seems much easier ways to perform.
Only other “strange “ report was the guy who claimed a man tried to take his pack right off his back when he was walking.
Mmmm. Who wants a walkers pack? Who would be bold enough for such thing?
Praying reports are accurate, timely, and immediately told to police.
I was going to say exactly the same! Personally I would have been tempted to run towards him with a demented look of my face (not difficult for me to do!) and then watch him make a speedy exit. !I'm sorry to hear that and hope your daughter is doing better. That's disgusting. Even for me solo@ 66 I would have beat his willy with my stick, sprayed him with my dye mace and marked him for a week. The police would surely find him. Normally I am a passive Christian. This is an outrageous act. Desperate times call for desperate measures. That and more! Leaving Pamplona today. Buen Camino
Nor has it ever been.Sadly, no place is completely safe today.
Yeah I’m doing the Portuguese Coastal on June 1 . Im taking a panic button with a really loud alarm, Pepper spray and a Tazernobody better mess with this NYC lady even though I live in Miami . I lived through these experiences and worse in NY so the better beware!
Nor has it ever been.
I agree Jill that these exhibitionsts mostly do not attack. However when one is out, alone, and isolated, one should have a plan of action and never approach or charge the perpetrator...avoidance, if possibly ble is safest.
Is there anything legal for self defense to carry in Portugal?Warning....Pepper Spray is illegal in Portugal!
What do you normally carry at home?Is there anything legal for self defense to carry in Portugal?
... that would put him out of action for a while and maybe think twice before doing it again!
... if there is no actual touching or physical contact, there is no serious crime ...
Nothing but there are not any reports of danger to womenWhat do you normally carry at home?
What do you normally carry at home?
Nothing but there are not any reports of danger to women
Portugal is my home and I carry nothing, just like you do in your home.Nothing but there are not any reports of danger to women
I am very sorry this happened to your daughter. It shouldn't happen to anyone. It can be especially distressing when one has been led to expect positive encounters and a space for spiritual growth.My Daughter had a run in today w/ a pevert in the Camino, on the stage between Los Arcos and Logroño. She was walking alone 8km before Viana when a pevert jumped out of a bush, naked, wearing a black balaclava masturbating himself, she started screaming a ficticius name and ran away. He was not able to run after her. He was a white chubby male aproximately 1.75m tall.
Police in Viana was contacted and went looking for the perv, my daughter is Ok but still shaken, a fellow pilgrim that she had the phone number came back and walked w/ her to Viana, but she is not sure if she wants to continue.
I’m really distressed and sad, I did the Camino in 2014 and my wife did it in 2011, we only found kindness between pilgrims and in the vilages along the way. The experience changed our lives... maybe this is a sign of the times we are living.
Buen Camino
Please do not bring pepper spray, mace, etc. on the Camino. This is a path of peace. There may be a couple of wackos here and there, but weapons have absolutely no place here.
I have never seen one in my life except in the Bahamas inside a resortIf there is a single place in the world where there are not flasher guys, I would like to know about it.
The "Path of Peace" is not being disturbed by Pilgrims but people harassing or stalking pilgrims. If you are reading the entire thread, women may have a concern for their peacePlease do not bring pepper spray, mace, etc. on the Camino. This is a path of peace. There may be a couple of wackos here and there, but weapons have absolutely no place here.
Recording or taking a pic is very risky. If the perp believes you have evidence he is motivated to try to take the phone away from you. Think twice about this.I've heard of this happening before, and the woman started to record him with her phone and told him so, and he ran away immediately. Of course, it's hard to have your wits about you when something like this happens, but it is an idea.
I hope your daughter continues on her Camino, and hopefully she will always be able to find a walking buddy so she's never alone.
Buen Camino to her, should she choose to continue.
Clothes nearby? I read the post to mean he hid his identity with a balaclava. I wouldn’t imagine he was wearing nothing but a balaclava.Wow! New twist , no pun intended, to this business.
Don’t have reason to believe this one is not accurate...so don’t take it as such...but
Seems this guy would need:
1. Clothes close by
2. Time to dress
3. A means of transportation away bike, car etc
4. Have reasonable knowledge of trail
5. Have knowledge when to perform etc
Heard of all sorts. But this one is rather strange
Seems much easier ways to perform.
Only other “strange “ report was the guy who claimed a man tried to take his pack right off his back when he was walking.
Mmmm. Who wants a walkers pack? Who would be bold enough for such thing?
Praying reports are accurate, timely, and immediately told to police.
The OP saidClothes nearby? I read the post to mean he hid his identity with a balaclava. I wouldn’t imagine he was wearing nothing but a balaclava.
jumped out of a bush, naked, wearing a black balaclava
Her mother said the daughter remembered seeing a car nearby since the road was near the trail. His clothes were probably thereThe OP said
Why not?!... I wouldn’t imagine he was wearing nothing but a balaclava.
Path of peace? Weapons have no place? Tell that to the Templars. Those weren't rubber chickens they carried with them.Please do not bring pepper spray, mace, etc. on the Camino. This is a path of peace. There may be a couple of wackos here and there, but weapons have absolutely no place here.
That was a few centuries ago. I think the current Camino is more oriented to Santiago Peregrino than to Santiago Matamoros.Path of peace? Weapons have no place? Tell that to the Templars. Those weren't rubber chickens they carried with them.
Pepper spray and tazer are in most European countries illegal. But a nice load capsaicin on his private parts might heal him from his urges for awhile.Yeah I’m doing the Portuguese Coastal on June 1 . Im taking a panic button with a really loud alarm, Pepper spray and a Tazernobody better mess with this NYC lady even though I live in Miami . I lived through these experiences and worse in NY so the better beware!
My Daugther had a run in today w/ a pevert in the Camino, on the stage between Los Arcos and Logroño. She was walking alone 8km before Viana when a pevert jumped out of a bush, naked, wearing a black balaclava masturbating himself, she started screaming a ficticius name and ran away. He was not able to run after her. He was a white chubby male aproximately 1.75m tall.
Police in Viana was contacted and went looking for the perv, my daughter is Ok but still shaken, a fellow pilgrim that she had the phone number came back and walked w/ her to Viana, but she is not sure if she wants to continue.
I’m really distressed and sad, I did the Camino in 2014 and my wife did it in 2011, we only found kindness between pilgrims and in the vilages along the way. The experience changed our lives... maybe this is a sign of the times we are living.
Buen Camino
That particular area is such a nice quiet and shady place after the previous mile or so.I was walking into Melide on 23rd April this year at around 13:15 pm past the factories on the N-547 the path veers to the left through an area of bushes and small trees where I saw a partially naked man doing his business, I had already read about such goings on so I wasn't particularly shocked but after shouting to him that he was a pervert, ( which he probably never understood) I quickly walked on but was a little worried as it was a very quiet part, most of these people are probably harmless but all the same it is terrible
It’s not the Camino that caused this it’s the pervert. I hope she continues and I would hope she is fine. Many girls 19 to 24 did the Camino deep Norte in March and were all fine. Many walked alone for weeks seeing no one. I did it then and am 53 and male. Non of the girls were phased. Only ever found kind people. It is NOT the Camino that caused the issue.My Daugther had a run in today w/ a pevert in the Camino, on the stage between Los Arcos and Logroño. She was walking alone 8km before Viana when a pevert jumped out of a bush, naked, wearing a black balaclava masturbating himself, she started screaming a ficticius name and ran away. He was not able to run after her. He was a white chubby male aproximately 1.75m tall.
Police in Viana was contacted and went looking for the perv, my daughter is Ok but still shaken, a fellow pilgrim that she had the phone number came back and walked w/ her to Viana, but she is not sure if she wants to continue.
I’m really distressed and sad, I did the Camino in 2014 and my wife did it in 2011, we only found kindness between pilgrims and in the vilages along the way. The experience changed our lives... maybe this is a sign of the times we are living.
Buen Camino
I understand why you say what you say about her finding a 'walking buddy'. However, you're perspective on this is completely wrong and does nothing to emancipate women. This world is this woman's and all other women and we have the right to walk where they want, when we want to without fear or feeling we need to be with someone. Men can walk anywhere they want to, at any time of day solo, and have well established power in doing things solo in public spaces, why should women feel they too can't have the same level of power, safety and ability to come and go anywhere we want to?! I do a lot of travel solo and it's not easy that's for sure. I'm stared at, ogled, I get quizzical glances about what I'm doing. What I'm doing is trying to live my life in freedom and do what I want to do - just as this woman was doing. It's not easy and takes courage & sometimes a defensive demeamour for women to withstand other people's reaction to us being solo but its absolutely imperative that we continue to do things solo - for only through showing continued presence in the world will women grow stronger and men who demonstrate this kind of behaviour realise that you're not going to send women back to their houses. NamasteI've heard of this happening before, and the woman started to record him with her phone and told him so, and he ran away immediately. Of course, it's hard to have your wits about you when something like this happens, but it is an idea.
I hope your daughter continues on her Camino, and hopefully she will always be able to find a walking buddy so she's never alone.
Buen Camino to her, should she choose to continue.
It's not easy and takes courage & sometimes a defensive demeamour for women to withstand other people's reaction to us being solo but its absolutely imperative that we continue to do things solo - for only through showing continued presence in the world will women grow stronger and men who demonstrate this kind of behaviour realise that you're not going to send women back to their houses. Namaste
So is your answer not to walk alone then?Eehm sorry but no. This perp's aim is most definitely not to send women back home, in fact, the more solo women pass, the merrier.
You are catering to his needs so to speak and he is probably grateful for it.
I agree with you but ... within reason....There are places in the world where I wouldn’t walk alone and sadly, for my safety, I have to accept that.I understand why you say what you say about her finding a 'walking buddy'. However, you're perspective on this is completely wrong and does nothing to emancipate women. This world is this woman's and all other women and we have the right to walk where they want, when we want to without fear or feeling we need to be with someone. Men can walk anywhere they want to, at any time of day solo, and have well established power in doing things solo in public spaces, why should women feel they too can't have the same level of power, safety and ability to come and go anywhere we want to?! I do a lot of travel solo and it's not easy that's for sure. I'm stared at, ogled, I get quizzical glances about what I'm doing. What I'm doing is trying to live my life in freedom and do what I want to do - just as this woman was doing. It's not easy and takes courage & sometimes a defensive demeamour for women to withstand other people's reaction to us being solo but its absolutely imperative that we continue to do things solo - for only through showing continued presence in the world will women grow stronger and men who demonstrate this kind of behaviour realise that you're not going to send women back to their houses. Namaste
I understand why you say what you say about her finding a 'walking buddy'. However, you're perspective on this is completely wrong and does nothing to emancipate women. This world is this woman's and all other women and we have the right to walk where they want, when we want to without fear or feeling we need to be with someone. Men can walk anywhere they want to, at any time of day solo, and have well established power in doing things solo in public spaces, why should women feel they too can't have the same level of power, safety and ability to come and go anywhere we want to?! I do a lot of travel solo and it's not easy that's for sure. I'm stared at, ogled, I get quizzical glances about what I'm doing. What I'm doing is trying to live my life in freedom and do what I want to do - just as this woman was doing. It's not easy and takes courage & sometimes a defensive demeamour for women to withstand other people's reaction to us being solo but its absolutely imperative that we continue to do things solo - for only through showing continued presence in the world will women grow stronger and men who demonstrate this kind of behaviour realise that you're not going to send women back to their houses. Namaste
So is your answer not to walk alone then?
When you think about it, it’s really the increased numbers of walkers that make caminos a popular place for flashers.
I remember walking the Portuguese Way in 2013. A guy was pulling his pud as I walked past . I was was walking with another girl and we ignored him and kept walking. The guys that do this are seeking attention and we both chose not to give him any and kept walking as if he wasn't there. Having a walking companion made it easier to be nonchalant.
??My Daugther had a run in today w/ a pevert in the Camino, on the stage between Los Arcos and Logroño. She was walking alone 8km before Viana when a pevert jumped out of a bush, naked, wearing a black balaclava masturbating himself, she started screaming a ficticius name and ran away. He was not able to run after her. He was a white chubby male aproximately 1.75m tall.
Police in Viana was contacted and went looking for the perv, my daughter is Ok but still shaken, a fellow pilgrim that she had the phone number came back and walked w/ her to Viana, but she is not sure if she wants to continue.
I’m really distressed and sad, I did the Camino in 2014 and my wife did it in 2011, we only found kindness between pilgrims and in the vilages along the way. The experience changed our lives... maybe this is a sign of the times we are living.
Buen Camino
I was trying to clarify because that is what I understood from your answer.... If that is not what you meant,then clearly it’s my mistake.Oh my gosh! Did I write that? Did I ever give the impression that I am that binary? Living in a world where everything is either yes or no, or black or white with no shades in between? And only one possible conclusion? You are not being fair here.
The question is: are you walking alone? or are you one of a large group of solo walking women?
Like @peregrina2000 wrote earlier in this thread:
Clothes nearby? I read the post to mean he hid his identity with a balaclava. I wouldn’t imagine he was wearing nothing but a balaclava.
I found a walking buddy several times and some of he lone female walkers did too. Many of us had chance to see and speak to a lot of people from around the world and rarely kept together for more than a few days. I mostly travelled alone. Many young girls did too and you sort of spend a day or two days with each buddy then moved on at your own pace. It’s a very very safe place northern Spain. It certainly seemed that way to me.I understand why you say what you say about her finding a 'walking buddy'. However, you're perspective on this is completely wrong and does nothing to emancipate women. This world is this woman's and all other women and we have the right to walk where they want, when we want to without fear or feeling we need to be with someone. Men can walk anywhere they want to, at any time of day solo, and have well established power in doing things solo in public spaces, why should women feel they too can't have the same level of power, safety and ability to come and go anywhere we want to?! I do a lot of travel solo and it's not easy that's for sure. I'm stared at, ogled, I get quizzical glances about what I'm doing. What I'm doing is trying to live my life in freedom and do what I want to do - just as this woman was doing. It's not easy and takes courage & sometimes a defensive demeamour for women to withstand other people's reaction to us being solo but its absolutely imperative that we continue to do things solo - for only through showing continued presence in the world will women grow stronger and men who demonstrate this kind of behaviour realise that you're not going to send women back to their houses. Namaste
A tazer? Really? If you can get through customs you may as well take a gun! Absolutely no need for violence. A loud whistle would be much better.Yeah I’m doing the Portuguese Coastal on June 1 . Im taking a panic button with a really loud alarm, Pepper spray and a Tazernobody better mess with this NYC lady even though I live in Miami . I lived through these experiences and worse in NY so the better beware!
"Please also tell her, that the male pilgrim behind her, to her side and in front of her at this very moment, is most likely a good person and a source of help."
The female pilgrim behind her, to the side of her and in front of her, is a better source of help.
There is continuing concern about incidents affecting female pilgrims. We reiterate the advice given by a number of pilgrim associations and the Spanish authorities:
Before you set out, programme the emergency number 112 into your telephone.
Consider downloading this App issued by the Spanish government:
https://alertcops.ses.mir.es/mialertcops/info/info.xhtml
The app allows anyone in Spain to send an alert from a mobile device "smartphone'"straight to the police..
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 – the best number to use is 112 which covers all of Spain (and much of Europe) and which has operators who speak English.
And please, 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.
So sorry this had to be one of your Camino memories. I would just highlight a few things that have already been said: 1) these men are usually cowards and are there simply for the reaction they get. They’re usually runners and not attackers. 2) it’s a lot to ask in a moment of panic but if you could get a photo, that would greatly help law enforcement. 3) yelling out to an imaginary Spanish male’s name is a good tactic. 4) do not underestimate the damage you and your hiking stick can inflict. Use it to defend yourself!I just finish the Camino, a woman walking alone, and ran into one person who acted inappropriately, close to Leon on a lonely stretch of road. I hit him on the head with my walking stick, cursed him good, and he fled. Besides him I met a 1000 friendly, helpful men. It certainly didn't make me want to quit. It made me more assertive and feel more in love with all the good I encountered. .
Just a reminder that this incident happened in mid-2019.So sorry this had to be one of your Camino memories.
Happened to me in Switzerland in a subway station in 1969.Happened to me in Madrid circa 1998? I was disgusted and walked away.
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