Maanvi Gagroo opens up about being pinched in a market when young; expert shares strategies to deal with harassment

“Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya. He kept looking at me,” Maanvi recalled.

New Delhi | December 30, 2024 09:30 PM IST

4 min read

Maanvi Gagroo says she was harassed as a teenager (Source: Instagram/Maanvi Gagroo)

Actor Maanvi Gagroo recently shared harrowing incidents of harassment she faced as a teenager, recounting deeply unsettling moments while travelling in a rickshaw and navigating crowded public spaces.

In an interview with Hauterrfly, she shared, “I was once in a rickshaw and that guy started j**king off…” She continued, “Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya (I didn’t understand anything). He kept looking at me. Obviously, I’m not looking there, right? So, mujhe toh dikha bhi nahi (I could not see). I just realised that he’s constantly looking at me, and then at one point his expression was weird… and then I saw hand moving and I was like, ‘Oh my God!’ Aur mein bahut chhoti this uss samay (And I was very young back then). Like I remember, I must have been 15 or 16.”

She recounted another incident where she went to a market with her mother. “So this guy, he walked by and pinched me. My expression must’ve changed because I didn’t say anything, but my mom looked at me and asked what happened. Then she went after, I don’t even know, she went and hit one guy.”

Her story echoes the countless, often unheard experiences of women grappling with the trauma of such violations. These events not only leave emotional scars but also challenge one’s sense of safety and self-confidence in everyday life.

Practical strategies for individuals to heal emotionally and mentally after experiencing harassment or public violations

Psychologist Anjali Gursahaney, says, “Healing emotionally and mentally involves a combination of self-care, support, and professional help. Begin by acknowledging the experience, and allowing yourself to process and validate your feelings without judgement, as denying or minimising the incident can delay healing. Seek support from trusted friends, family, or support groups who can provide a safe space to share your experiences.”

She adds that you should practice self-care through activities that nurture your mind and body, such as mindfulness, journaling, or creative outlets. Set boundaries to avoid situations or individuals that may trigger or retraumatise you, focusing instead on rebuilding a sense of safety. “Professional help, such as working with a therapist or counselor, can be invaluable for processing trauma, addressing anxiety or PTSD symptoms, and rebuilding self-esteem. Additionally, empowerment activities like self-defense classes or workshops can help restore a sense of control and confidence.”

Create an environment where teens feel comfortable sharing experiences without fear of blame or judgement. (Source: Freepik)

How can young individuals, particularly teens, be empowered to respond to such situations?

Empowering teens involves the following, according to Gursahaney:

Education on Rights: Teach teens their legal rights regarding harassment and emphasise that no one has the right to violate their boundaries.
Assertiveness Training: Equip them with techniques to respond to harassment assertively but safely, such as clear verbal refusals or seeking help.
Build Confidence: Encourage participation in self-defense or empowerment programs.
Normalise Reporting: Remove stigma by discussing the importance of reporting incidents and reassuring them that seeking help is a sign of strength.
Provide Resources: Share helpline numbers, reporting platforms, and support services.
Safe Conversations: Create an environment where teens feel comfortable sharing experiences without fear of blame or judgement.