Comedian Maude Morissette recently recounted a distressing incident of harassment she experienced in the Montreal Metro. The traumatic event took place after the first performance of a show by Dominic Paquet. Morissette shared her experiences on Facebook, sparking widespread discussion and concern.
Details of the Incident
On Thursday, Morissette revealed that she noticed a man staring at her intently while on the train. At first, she did not think much of it. However, her concerns escalated when she reached Berri-UQAM station to make a transfer. As she exited the subway car, the man touched her, triggering her survival instincts. She described her immediate reaction: running in a zigzag pattern through the crowd, hoping to lose him.
Despite her efforts, the man followed her into another subway car. Morissette expressed disbelief at how quickly he had managed to catch up. “I ran like mad; it’s impossible he could have followed me,” she recounted in an interview with Isabelle Perron on QUB radio.
Feeling Unsafe
As the train approached her final destination, the situation intensified. Alone with the man, she remained in her seat, brandishing a small pocketknife for self-defense. Eventually, he exited the train first, allowing her the chance to escape. Morissette then quickly found a couple nearby to escort her out of the station safely.
Community Response and Solutions
Morissette’s Facebook post garnered numerous comments, with many women sharing similar experiences of harassment on the Metro. They offered various safety tips, including calling 911 or using emergency intercoms in the subway. Responding to her post, the STM suggested additional strategies for ensuring safety.
Call for Increased Security
Morissette expressed skepticism about relying solely on emergency services, stating, “By the time police arrive, I could be in danger.” She advocated for increased police presence in subway stations to deter such incidents.
The Importance of Education
While addressing systemic issues, Morissette emphasized the need for educating men about harassment. “We can’t put all men in the same category,” she remarked, acknowledging that many men are respectful. Nonetheless, she stressed that education on this issue is essential.
A Broader Issue for Women
This incident resonates with many women facing similar harassment. Morissette shared her own painful memories, recounting being harassed in the Metro at just 11 years old. As a mother herself, she is proactive about her child’s safety, enrolling her daughter in taekwondo classes to build her confidence and self-defense skills.
The conversation sparked by Morissette’s experience highlights the urgent need for a societal shift in attitudes toward harassment. It calls for both systemic change and a cultural conversation about respect and safety for all.
