New York Launches $250,000 Anti-Catcalling Campaign
Mayor Zoran Mamdani is initiating a $250,000 advertising campaign aimed at reducing street harassment in New York City. This initiative will prominently display messages across subways, ferries, and construction sites in an effort to combat this unacceptable behavior.
As part of the campaign, which coincides with Sexual Violence Awareness Month starting Wednesday and continuing through April, over a dozen colorful posters and digital advertisements will be showcased in busy areas throughout the five boroughs. The campaign includes materials in both English and Spanish, as city officials have outlined.
The animated ads will feature phrases commonly used in street harassment, such as “Hey, Sexy” and “Hey, Baby.” They are set to run about 12 million times on subway screens and 15 million times on the Staten Island Ferry. Additionally, decals will be placed on 150 sidewalks, while posters will be set up close to 75 construction sites.
“In recognition of Sexual Violence Awareness Month, we are proud to support this campaign to end street harassment,” said Mamdani in a statement. He noted that street harassment affects individuals across all boroughs, emphasizing the need to invest in resources and tools that promote safety and reduce harm.
The vibrant advertisements also include a QR code linking to resources available in multiple languages. A 2024 survey highlighted that seven in ten New Yorkers have experienced some form of street harassment, with about 53% reporting incidents of physical harassment, such as being followed or touched without consent.
A study conducted by the New York City Street Harassment Prevention Advisory Committee indicated that more than half of victims experience anxiety or depression due to harassment, with many altering their daily commutes or even contemplating leaving the city altogether. Furthermore, 54% of those surveyed expressed a desire for bystanders to intervene in such situations, while 38% wanted police involvement.
According to Saloni Sethi, the director of the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, “Street harassment has real consequences.” She added that it can cause significant emotional distress and influence how individuals navigate their daily lives in the city.
The campaign will place large posters near construction sites in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with additional sidewalk decals to appear in Queens and the Bronx. The animated digital ads will be visible on the Staten Island Ferry as well as at major subway lines and transportation hubs across the city, where staff will distribute informational palm cards.
