Eileen Morales, known on social media as “La Cubana TikTok,” recently shared a disturbing experience she had in a parking lot. Morales recounted that she caught a man touching himself inappropriately while looking at her, and offered advice to her female followers in light of the incident.
The popular TikToker, who boasts over 888,000 followers on the platform, mentioned that although she had similar experiences in Cuba, this was the first time it had happened in her three years living in Miami. This made the incident feel even worse. She explained that she was enjoying a coffee inside her car in a Starbucks parking lot when she noticed a car nearby with its door open and a man engaged in the inappropriate act.
“Women know how awful this makes us feel. It’s a horrible experience,” Morales said. She attempted to record the man with her phone, but he drove away before she could capture his license plate number. However, when he had to make a turn to leave, she was able to get the number.
Morales expressed her dismay when a friend advised her not to file a report, suggesting that it would only result in a “small fine” after a lot of paperwork. Instead, the friend recommended simply not looking around when in parking lots.
“I completely disagree. I need to be aware of my surroundings. I will always cut off their inspiration and tell them to leave me alone!” Morales asserted.
“I will always take decisive action to completely throw them off, because this behavior is unacceptable. We are not victims, and we must defend ourselves if something makes us uncomfortable. They enjoy seeing us scared,” Morales concluded, urging her followers never to let similar incidents intimidate them.
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Understanding Safety Measures in Parking Lots
In light of Eileen Morales' recent experience, it's crucial to discuss safety measures that women can take when in parking lots. Here are some common questions and answers that can help enhance personal safety.
What should I do if I see someone acting inappropriately in a parking lot?
If you see someone acting inappropriately, try to remain calm and safely distance yourself from the situation. If possible, take note of any identifying details such as the person's appearance or license plate number and report the incident to the authorities.
How can I stay aware of my surroundings in parking lots?
To stay aware of your surroundings, avoid distractions such as using your phone while walking. Regularly scan the area around you and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it's better to be cautious.
Is it important to report incidents like these to the police?
Yes, reporting such incidents to the police is important. It helps create a record of the behavior, which can be crucial in preventing future incidents and holding the perpetrator accountable.