Mayor Zohran Mamdani is rolling out a $250,000 anti-catcalling ad campaign across Big Apple subways, ferries, and construction sites in an effort to crack down on sleazy street harassment.
The pricey push to curb unwanted wolf whistles and jeers kicks off Wednesday and runs through April – Sexual Violence Awareness Month – with a dozen flashy posters and digital ads in English and Spanish set to appear in some of the busiest spots across the five boroughs, city officials announced.
The animated ads, featuring phrases like “hey sexy” and “hey baby,” will blast across subways roughly 12 million times and more than 15 million times on the Staten Island Ferry, with sidewalk decals at 150 locations and posters near 75 construction zones.
“In recognition of Sexual Violence Awareness Month, I’m proud to support this campaign to end street harassment,” Mamdani said in a statement.
“Street harassment is pervasive — it impacts New Yorkers in every borough. And addressing it means investing in tools and resources to reduce harm and build safe communities.”
The vibrant ads contain QR codes linking to resources in multiple languages. They were created in response to a 2024 survey that found seven in 10 New Yorkers have experienced street harassment.
About 53% reported physical harassment, including being filmed, followed, or touched without consent.
More than 50% of victims reported experiencing anxiety or depression as a result, with many changing their usual routes or commutes – and about 29% considered leaving the city to escape the aggressive behavior, according to the survey by the NYC Street Harassment Prevention Advisory Board.
About 54% said they wished a bystander had stepped in, while 38% wanted police to intervene.
“Street harassment has real consequences—New Yorkers say it has caused anxiety, depression, forced them to change their daily commute and even led some to consider leaving New York City entirely,” said Saloni Sethi, commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence.
“Every New Yorker, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status or status as a person with a disability should be able to move through the city without fear of being harassed. Let’s work together towards that reality.”
The ENDGBV is spearheading the campaign, which will plaster large posters near construction-site locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, city officials said.
Sidewalk decals will also pop up in Queens and the Bronx.
Animated digital ads will run on the Staten Island Ferry – including the Manhattan Main Concourse and Departure Lounge, St. George Departure Lounge, and boarding areas – as well as on subway lines A, E, M, F, G, R, 2, 4, 7, L, J, and Z.
Officials said staff will also hand out palm cards at major transit hubs.
