Dr Zuleyka Zevallos

I drove from Sydney to Melbourne on Thursday. I was sexually harassed twice in 2 towns where I stopped to rest my body. 1st man followed me around back to my car as I was Instagramming & got incensed that I moved away from him. "Didn't mean to annoy ya. You looked lost..."

...I was clearly NOT lost. It was a huge parking area and I was clearly filming on my phone. He interrupted me & demanded my attention. I had to remain cool as I walked briskly to my car. He stood outside my car as I ignored him. That was broad daylight in the afternoon...

...2nd guy practically sprinted to his car as I got out of my car at another large servo car park. I was stretching my legs and trying to eat some dinner. He stood in front of his car and watched me. I had to get back into my car for safety even though I was in agony...

...I quickly jumped on Insta Stories to say I'd been harassed twice. I'd meant to follow up with a proper post but got to Melbourne late at night. Last night, found out my niece had seen my post and asked her Mum what happened to me...

...Siblings and in-laws know a lot - but not all - the history of harassment and some of the sexual assault I've been through. I was reminded last night that a new generation of young women & girls in my family will have to learn about & likely deal with this pervasive fear...

...Sexual harassment, assault, rape and other trauma are common place in the lives of women and femmes - on a drive, at work, at home. Many people are flabbergasted about celebrities & fail to turn their gaze to the lives of colleagues, friends, neighbours...