Another upskirting incident was reported in a San Antonio grocery store yesterday. Martin Matthew Hemby, a San Antonio resident, was arrested and released on bail yesterday for allegedly shooting improper photography under a woman's clothing as she browsed in a Walmart on San Antonio's North Side. Hemby had been arrested as recently as July 23 on additional charges of improper photography.
These upskirting incidents follow on the heels of last month's arrest of an HEB grocery store employee, Santos Angel Chapa, who was reportedly also caught taking photos underneath a customer's skirt.
You can watch the KSAT 12 news report that ran this morning here.
Read more about the HEB upskirting incident here.
Texas has a hidden camera law on the books that makes improper photography, defined as sexual photography or filming taken without the subject's consent, a felony. The charge can result in state prison sentences of up to two years.
How San Antonio shoppers can protect themselves against upskirting
There's a startling lack of information available online for women who want to defend themselves against upskirting photography, and much of what is out there falls into the "just wear pants" category. The blog Stop Street Harassment, however, has some tips and strategies that may help prevent an upskirting attack, or help a women respond in the moment to an upskirting attack. Here are some of their recommendations:
- Always use strong body language in public environments. Stand tall, look around, make eye contact with people. As the blog says, "Using your voice, facial expressions, and body language together, without mixed signals, shows assertiveness and strength."
- Be aware of your surroundings, and don't hesitate to reach out to management if you feel an employee or another customer is following you through the store.
- If confronting an upskirter, use strong, direct language. Don't say, "Excuse me", or "I'm sorry, but..." before your sentence. Say, "Stop taking a photo of me."
- Bystanders who witness upskirting can also intervene on behalf of the victim with either store management, or directly with the photographer if they feel it's safe.
Your turn
How do you think women can best defend themselves against upskirting in San Antonio grocery stores? Have you had an experience where you were upskirted, and if so, how did you handle it? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Comments
What is it with all these guys shooting pictures and videotaping underneath womens skirts? Unbelievable - but you offered great tips on how to prevent it and what to do if it happens to you
Ahhhh so creepy! And you think you're safe in a grocery store...
terrible...creepy and immature
That's a lot of these incidences reported. I wonder how many more go unreported. Terrible...
Wow! Had no clue about this. Here's a tip. So many people fail to focus on surrounding cuz they are busy chatting on the phone & texting. Makes them an easy target OF ANY Crime. Pay attention. Some creepy guy is not gonna photography a girl who looks like she means business and isn't about to be snuck up on.
Great tips - I always hear about this happening but I have to admit that it never occurs to me to be cognizant of the possibility when I'm in public. So creepy.
I can't believe the rash of upskirting crimes. And yes, shooting pictures and videotaping up women's skirts is a crime as well as harassment. Your tips for protecting a women's rights – which go beyond the "just wear pants" strategy – are well taken. I have no upskirting tips to add, except that women should be aware of their surroundings.
what is wrong with these people? yuck.
Shame, no respect.
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