How to shut down a creep in Spain

Q ¡Guapa! ¿Adónde vas tan sola? Anda, dame una sonrisa.Hey gorgeous! Where you off to all alone? Come on, give us a smile.

• A Déjame en paz.Leave me alone.
• A No me interesa. Para ya.Not interested. Stop it.
• A Que me dejes, pesado.Just leave me alone, creep.

They'll say Uy, qué borde.Ooh, charming.

In Spain these street comments are called 'piropos' — you owe zero reply. Keep walking and step into the nearest shop or bar. Emergencies: 112. Spain's free gender-violence helpline is 016 — it never shows up on your phone bill.

Q Qué buena estás, morena. Venga, tómate algo conmigo, no seas así.Damn, you're hot. Come on, have a drink with me, don't be like that. (he starts following you)

• A ¡Que no! Déjame.No! Leave me.
• A Vete a la mierda.Piss off. (aggressive)
• A ¡Que te den, gilipollas! ¡Pírate!Screw you, asshole! Get lost! (very aggressive — Spain)

They'll say Encima con humos.Stuck-up, too.

If he won't back off or starts following, get loud to pull attention and move toward people or staff. In many Spanish clubs and festivals you can 'preguntar por Ángela' at the bar — a discreet code that tells staff you need help.

Q No me toques.Don't touch me.

Say it loud and clear. Louder still: '¡Que no me toques!'

Q ¡Quítame las manos de encima!Get your hands off me!

'Quitar las manos de encima' is the natural Spain phrasing for someone grabbing you.

Q ¡Suéltame!Let go of me!

For when someone is holding your arm or wrist.

Q Para. Esto no me gusta. No sigas, por favor.Stop. I don't like this. Don't keep going, please.

A clear, firm 'no' — no need to be polite about it if you don't feel safe.

Q Solo quiero hablar contigo.womenI only want to talk to you.

• A Pues yo no. Déjame.Well, I don't. Leave me alone.

They'll say Qué borde.Charming.

Q Estoy con mi novio.womenI'm here with my boyfriend.

• A Ya, claro.Sure you are.

It shouldn't work better than no. It often does. Use whatever ends it fastest.

Q ¿Me acompañas hasta el taxi, por favor? No me siento segura.Can you walk me to the taxi, please? I don't feel safe.

They'll say Claro, te acompaño. No te preocupes.Of course, I'll walk with you. Don't worry.

Ask staff, a couple, or a group of women — not a lone stranger. 'Acompañar' = to go with / walk with someone.

Q ¿Puedes acompañarme a casa? Ese tío me está siguiendo.Can you walk me home? That guy is following me.

They'll say Vale, vamos. ¿Quieres que llame a alguien?Okay, let's go. Want me to call someone?

'Tío' = guy (Spain). If you're being followed, head somewhere busy and with staff rather than home directly.

Q Perdona, creo que me han echado algo en la copa. ¿Me ayudas?Excuse me, I think someone spiked my drink. Can you help me?

They'll say Vale, siéntate aquí. Llamo a seguridad y a un médico.Okay, sit here. I'll call security and a doctor.

Tell the bar staff, not just your friends. Spiking is 'sumisión química' in Spain; needle-spiking ('pinchazo') has also been reported. Keep the drink as evidence and get to 112 / a medic.

Q ¿Puedes llamar a la policía, por favor?Can you call the police, please?

They'll say Ahora mismo llamo al 112.I'll call 112 right now.

112 reaches police, ambulance and fire, free from any phone.

Q Ese hombre de ahí nos está acosando.That man over there is harassing us.

They'll say Venid conmigo, os llevo con seguridad.Come with me, I'll take you to security.

'Acosar' = to harass. Say it to staff or security ('los de seguridad').

Q Perdona, ese tío de ahí me está agobiando y me incomoda.Excuse me, that guy over there is crowding me and making me uncomfortable.

They'll say Quédate aquí, yo me encargo.Stay here, I'll handle it.

'Agobiar' = to crowd/overwhelm; 'incomodar' = to make uncomfortable. Natural, non-dramatic way to flag a creep to staff.

Q ¿Te puedes quedar conmigo?womenCan you stay with me?

• A No me muevo de aquí.I'm not moving from here.

Q Te escribo cuando llegue a casa.womenI'll text you when I get home.

• A Hazlo, ¿vale?Do that, okay?