I went out on an errand today and after going a short distance from my house a man suddenly came up and spoke to me. I know the man slightly- I've seen him around my locality and he often does odd jobs for people. He asked me how I was and about my family. I answered him as politely as possible and kept moving. Today being a Sunday, most of the nearby shops were closed and I had to go farther than usual. By this point the man was already making me uncomfortable. He had brushed against me a couple of times, but I wasn't entirely sure if it was intentional, as the pavements are very narrow. I turned off the main road, hoping that he would go his way, but he kept following me. I knew that the alleyway I took would lead me to some some shops that would be open on a Sunday evening, and I intentionally dawdled over my purchase, hoping he would leave. He didn't, and he kept following me and trying to get closer. I almost shook him off at one point when he lost sight of me while I took another route home, but he quickly caught up. In hindsight, it was a bad choice because that particular road was pretty much deserted. He came right up to me, more or less lunged and groped me. This time I pushed his hand away and told him not to touch me before racing for home as fast as I could. But what really worries me is that I should be more than capable of dealing with crap like this. I should have screamed for help, maybe taken down the guy. I have a brown belt in karate and I'm pretty strong for my size. But I couldn't scream because my throat more or less closed up, and I couldn't attack because it flat out didn't occur to me. And this isn't the first time I've been harassed. But this time this guy knows where I live and I'm very afraid that he's going to pop up again. Can anyone help me?

You should defiantly talk to your family and friends about this. That way they know something maybe up. Document what happened, including the date and time. If you run into him again and he does the same thing, tell him he is making you uncomfortable. If he doesn't listen, contact the police.

If he shows up at your house, do not open the door for him and keep a phone nearby incase you need to call for help. If he keeps showing up, contact the police.

I'm sorry you went through this. I hope it's nothing but you can never be too careful

Thank you. My family knows about this as I told them as soon ad I got home. But while he isn't likely to show up at my house, I am afraid that he might try stalking me again. I made a mistake by not carrying my phone this time, but I intend not to repeat it.

I really hope it's nothing as well, but considering my country's record, I don't want to take any risks.

It's good you told your family as soon as you got home. I don't blame you for being scared. People are crazy. You can never be too careful

I am pretty spooked. All the worse because I can't seem to react properly when something like this happens.

I would be spooked too. My dad was in the Marine Corps and he taught my sisters and I how to defends ourselves but when you get scared like that, it's easy to forget. It happens to everyone, so don't beat yourself up too much

To be honest I agree with Tardis that you should contact the police but I would tell them straight away. He has already assaulted you, you shouldn't wait around for him to do it again! He has already committed the crime so this is a police matter. If you do decide to contact the police make sure you take one of the family members you have told with you so that they can back up your story.

I don't really have many suggestions for what to do next time you're out but maybe invest in one of those key chains that make a loud noise when activated. Or if you have your phone with you and you see him again, call someone and stay on the line with them, that may deter him.

And don't worry about feeling like you weren't able to deal with it, it was just your bodies natural response. You aren't weak for being unable to fight him off, no matter if you're a black belt in karate or a 3rd dan in taekwondo, nothing can prepare you for that. It's what any normal person would do in that situation.

Thanks for the advice. I had a pretty bad scare, but at least now I know what I'll do if there's a next time. The police usually usually aren't any use here. I don't know the man's nae or his address. They aren't going to search for him, so short of dragging him to the station there isn't much I can do to get him arrested. And that is assuming they believe me at all. Which is why I would rather rely on myself. My mum's also told me to send off for a pepper spray, so there's always that.