New Zealand Solo Traveler's Response to Harassment in Sri Lanka: Addressing Victim-Blaming and Promoting Safe Travel for Women

The New Zealand solo traveller has offered an update following her viral video documenting harassment.

A Kiwi woman who experienced sexual harassment during her solo journey in Sri Lanka has provided a follow-up after her initial video gained widespread attention. Molly, a Christchurch native, expressed surprise at how "things had escalated" and noted the unexpected "victim-blaming" she encountered online.

"Since posting this video a few days ago, things have really escalated. For those who haven't seen it, I shared my experience of being harassed by a man while traveling solo in Sri Lanka. I never anticipated it would gain so much traction," Molly explained. "The video has been commented on extensively and shared across numerous platforms. This led to responses I hadn't expected, including considerable victim-blaming with many suggesting this is the inevitable consequence of traveling alone as a woman."

Molly highlighted that the criticism came from both genders, stating, "Even fellow women made comments claiming I lack survival skills, and my personal favorite suggestion was that I should travel with a male companion to protect myself from other men."

The 24-year-old Cantabrian expressed gratitude toward Sri Lankan authorities for their swift response in investigating the incident and apprehending the perpetrator.

"After the video circulated on social media, I reached out to Sri Lankan police who immediately initiated an investigation to locate this individual. I'm incredibly thankful to the Sri Lankan authorities—their response was exceptional. Within just four days of posting my video, they had found and arrested him. He's currently going through legal proceedings, and the police have promised to keep me updated on developments."

"While I recognize my situation could have been much worse, and unfortunately has been for other women travelers, I'm glad this conversation is happening because this remains a reality women worldwide face every single day."

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A post shared by Mols | Solo Adventure Travel (@molsgonewild)

The vlogger emphasized that women should have the freedom to travel independently anywhere in the world, stressing that women aren't the problem—rather, it's men who behave inappropriately.

"A single incident doesn't define an entire country or the experience of solo female travel. Sri Lanka is a wonderful destination, and I felt secure throughout my month-long journey there. Please don't allow one individual's behavior to shape your perception of an entire culture," Molly wrote in her post caption.

The New Zealand traveler, who maintains a travel Instagram documenting her global adventures, was only four days into her trip when the man began following her on his scooter. Footage shows the man soliciting sex, which she repeatedly refused, before he exposed himself and masturbated in front of her as she quickly drove away.