- Time of past OR future Camino
- Via de la Plata (2020/2022); Frances (2021)
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Good, thank you.I notified the police in Astorga.
That is so unfortunate and am so glad you kept your head about you and walked on past with no problems. Ugh.I walked into Astorga this morning around 11:30 am. Between San Justo de la Vega and Astorga, the Camino route takes one to the right, away from the road. Just after taking this turn, there was a man, facing me, with his pants and underwear down around his ankles. He was standing just off the path. There was no one else near me at this time. I pretended not to see him and walked quickly past him.
One could stay on the path that is closer to the road. It is noisier, but I recommend taking the noisy route to any “solas” - women walking alone.
The location is before the pedestrian bridge over the train tracks. Closer to SJdlV than to Astorga.
I notified the police in Astorga.
Thanks! I have downloaded the APP and it's ready to go!The AlertCops app will, at the push of a button, send a message to the police stating what kind of emergency, your GPS position & more. Much better than calling 112.
At least he wasn't in a position to chase after you!with his pants and underwear down around his ankles.
Good observation, TrecileAt least he wasn't in a position to chase after you!
A couple of things to keep in mind First is that you will need data or internet service to use Alert Cops. Secondly, you probably will need to push a few more buttons than just one.The AlertCops app will, at the push of a button, send a message to the police stating what kind of emergency, your GPS position & more. Much better than calling 112.
I wish there was a user manual for the AlertCops app. However, from what I have read, once you have registered your phone you can install a largest button on your home screen for emergencies. If that is pressed 5? times in 6? seconds then a message is sent with your location and you have 20? seconds for sending a voice message.A couple of things to keep in mind First is that you will need data or internet service to use Alert Cops. Secondly, you probably will need to push a few more buttons than just one.
I suggest that if you are in immediate danger, dialing 112 is the quickest way to make voice contact with emergency responders.
More details (In Spanish; use Google to translate):I wish there was a user manual for the AlertCops app. However, from what I have read, once you have registered your phone you can install a largest button on your home screen for emergencies. If that is pressed 5? times in 6? seconds then a message is sent with your location and you have 20? seconds for sending a voice message.
If you are concerned about your safety in Spain my recommendation is to have the AlertCops app installed, cellular data enabled and location services (GPS) running. For any situation where you want the police at your side immediately use that emergency button first, skip the message and then call 112 in addition. If your call to 112 does not go through then use the emergency button again and use the message sending facility. Chances are they will call you anyway whether you have given them a message or not (did I mention that a manual would be nice).
In an attack situation I think the emergency button may be your fastest way to get your exact location to the police. Also, some pilgrims whose country uses a number other than 112 may not remember 112 under stress. The emergency button on the lock screen will likely connect you correctly though.
I notified the police in Astorga.
so glad you were able to keep focused and ignore himI walked into Astorga this morning around 11:30 am. Between San Justo de la Vega and Astorga, the Camino route takes one to the right, away from the road. Just after taking this turn, there was a man, facing me, with his pants and underwear down around his ankles. He was standing just off the path. There was no one else near me at this time. I pretended not to see him and walked quickly past him.
One could stay on the path that is closer to the road. It is noisier, but I recommend taking the noisy route to any “solas” - women walking alone.
The location is before the pedestrian bridge over the train tracks. Closer to SJdlV than to Astorga.
I notified the police in Astorga.
This seems like a cynical assumption of the power and importance of tourist money. Of course, economics always enters the picture, as safety measures do cost money. However, I like to think that the Spanish government and police genuinely want to improve safety for the sake of the people, and that the tolerance of sexual harassment is declining.Given the economic importance of the Camino,
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.
Update: yesterday, two women (who were unaware of this post) mentioned to me that the police were looking for this guy when they walked through this same area — shortly after I spoke to the police officer in Astorga. When I reported the incident, I wasn’t sure whether the police would do anything. So I was relieved to hear that they were acting on my report. Note, however, that I have no idea whether they found him.What a creep!
I hope they catch this guy. I'm concerned that, if he gets away with such behavior, his daring might escalate. Good on you to call the police.
But pants around his ankles, and you carrying a pole, I would be very tempted to whack him where it hurts.
Yes. Once you leave the road, you walk about the distance of one city block and then the Camino turns to the left. Shortly after the turn, there is a small building of some sort. The man was standing just beyond the building so that I was not able to see him until I was right there.@Mary Joy O'Meara, thank you for bringing this to the attention of the forum and for your calmness in dealing with the situation and reporting it. I'm sorry that you were subjected to this despicable act
From your description I am surmising that the incident happened at or near this location (map : https://goo.gl/maps/SJw2gXRacr6WSxoN6)
Could you please confirm for the benefit of those that may follow so that they can either take your advice and continue straight on when reaching this point or at least ensure that they have a Camino Buddy or Buddies with them if taking the official path?
Safe onward travels.
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Some great tips, thank you. I didn't even know there was such an 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.
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