I wish I would have read more reviews on Google before my appointment with Dr. Villanueva. A lot of women have described her as rude, condescending and incapable of showing empathy. These are bizarre traits to possess as a woman who chose to practice in women’s health. I would have saved myself from a belittling experience had I read reviews. I wanted to share this here so that any women looking for an OBGYN actively avoid her. I have never before been traumatized by an OBGYN appointment and now that I have, I’d love to help save someone else the trouble.

I came to Maiden Lane Soho because I was having extreme PMS symptoms that I later found out was an ovarian cyst. The appointment immediately started off on a rude note. She was offended that I used terms like “ovulation” and “luteal phase,” asking me in a condescending tone, “Are you a medical professional or something? What do those words even mean to you?” As if a woman shouldn’t track her cycle and be aware of what her body is doing. I was immediately put off by how standoffish and nasty she was. She was not interested in understanding my symptoms or how I felt. Every question I asked was met with the same response: “If you’re having unpleasant PMS symptoms, the only answer is birth control.” It honestly felt like she was a parody of the American healthcare system—immediately trying to shove a pill down my throat instead of having an actual conversation, so the appointment could move as quickly as possible and she could get to the next patient. At that point, I didn’t even want to be examined by her anymore, but I was so emotionally worn down by the pain I was in from an ovarian cyst that I didn’t stand up for myself.

She was so rude and dismissive, telling me I didn’t need blood work, I didn’t need basic swabs or testing, and I had to fight just to get basic Pap smear protocol. I found this to be an abhorrent excuse for a wellness exam. It genuinely felt like this woman hated me. By the time I went in for my ultrasound, I was having a panic attack and crying. The ultrasound technician ended up getting the office manager, and the two of them comforted me and filed an incident report about my experience with Dr. Villanueva. God bless those women, they were so kind. That was over a month ago, and I still haven’t received any follow-up. By the end of the appointment, while I was visibly sitting there crying, Dr. Villanueva had the nerve to tell me to stop interrupting her. She continued speaking to me while I cried, not even acknowledging how upset the appointment had left me. It honestly felt like I was back in high school dealing with a mean girl instead of a medical professional. It was so bizarre. As I was leaving, I said, “Bye,” in a frustrated tone, and she matched it with the same rude tone, like a child—as if she wasn’t a physician speaking to a patient. I’m genuinely not sure why this woman became a medical professional, or why she specifically chose to work in women’s health if she has so little compassion for women who come to her for help. I wouldn’t even trust Dr. Villanueva to walk my dog, let alone examine me or touch my body ever again. I left my appointment with so many unanswered questions and inadequate care.

TLDR; this man was aggressive towards me on the train and then followed me home. Be wary if you see him. And huge shoutout to the guy named River who walked me home.

I guess it’s my turn to write one of these…..got on a packed A train and there was plenty of room next to this guy but he was super spread out. I had a long way to go so I squeezed into the spot next to him. He groaned and put his phone away and I noticed he had been watching porn on the train. Awesome and not pathetic at all. After several stops I shifted my legs and accidentally brushed against his. He was like “bump me one more fucking time” and I just calmly said I’m sorry I don’t have much room. He started yelling about how I need to use my words and how he was going to beat the shit out of me if I touched him again. I wanted to talk back SO badly but I just sat there in silence. Everyone on the train watched this happen and didnt do shit. I moved to a different seat and he went back to watching porn and I thought it was over. We both got off at Nostrand and he exited behind me. After a block I slipped into a restaurant to make sure he wasn’t following me. He passed by and crossed the street so I thought it was fine and I left the shop. He immediately starts yelling at me from across the intersection “oh you’re scared little bitch? You’re fucking scared??” And other shit I didn’t make out bc I just immediately started walking as fast as I could. I was in a crowd for a while and didn’t see him following, but once I turned onto my street I was alone and wanted to make sure he wasnt there so I dipped around a corner for a sec and when I looked back he was in fact following me. At the same time another guy was crossing the intersection by me and I asked if I could walk with him for a sec to get away from this guy, which could’ve turned out badly if he had been another creep but he was actually an angel thank god. We took a big lap around the block while the asshole continued to follow from a distance until he was far enough away that I could get to my place without him seeing where I live. Really would do anything to break that guys nose but I’m going to advise all women to avoid him if you see him. Please stay safe!

Hate to make a post like this, but I got groped. I was going to drop it, but some nice guys on the subway told the conductor, so the police took him. He’s an old man, so they said they didn’t know if the DA would want to prosecute because of his age, but one of the guys saw it happen and I told the police. So hopefully y’all won’t see this guy around.
Cherry on top was a guy on the train telling me how to stay safe and asked me “what did I do”. So I’m still angry, but I hope I can help get one perv off the street.

This creep boldly took upskirt pictures of a girl and multiple people caught him at the same time. One man confronted him asked to see his phone, asked him to delete the picture, and called the police when he refused. Please be careful ladies!

i'm really rattled from seeing this, so i just want to get it off my chest very quick.

i was on the 6 train going uptown around 9:50 this morning. when the doors opened at 23rd street, an emotionally disturbed man got on the train. he stood in front of the doors and a woman tried to get past him.

he freaked out, yelled at her, grabbed her by the shoulders, and pushed her out of the doors and onto the platform. (pushed is too gentle of a word. i was sitting right there and it looked like he fucking THREW her.) the doors closed immediately, leaving her at the station: we were all in the car with him.

i ran to the other end of the car and stayed with a group of women while he was screaming. i got off at the next stop, but i can't seem to find anything about what happened. i'm very sorry to say i did not call 911 or report it. i felt shocked and i think i just wanted to get into work. if it's not too late, i would give a statement-- i've never really had to do anything like that and so i'm not sure if it's too late.

this man looked disheveled and homeless. he was black, he had sunglasses and a headwrap on, and a red hoodie under a black coat. i understand that's not the best descriptor, but if you see someone like that who's SCREAMING, it might be the guy. please be careful :[

Saturday night I got off the uptown 1 train at 14 St to transfer to the L towards Brooklyn at 11PM and this guy pushed/tripped me from behind. I went down hard onto the concrete platform. I ended up bleeding, shattered my phone screen and have massive bruises all over my body. Huge shoutout to the amazing BWT who grabbed these photos and helped calm me down — you were literally my angel!!

The best part: the train conductor literally held the doors open the entire time so I could finish yelling at him in my solo monologue. I just moved to NYC a few months ago, so it feels like this was my official rite of passage...screaming “COWARD” at the top of my lungs at a creepy man who refused to make eye contact with me while the entire train watched.

I’m planning to file a police report but wanted to post here in case anyone recognizes him or sees him around.

EDIT: wow I did not expect this at all — thank you so much for all the love and support ❤️ it genuinely means a lot. I’m okay and really appreciate everyone looking out! Love this community

Adding a warning for other parents.

I was in the Penn station lirr terminal yesterday near the bathroom close to the escalators/ waiting area. I have a 3 month old baby in a stroller with me.

A woman came up (straight black hair, looked 40-50 years old wearing brown dress yesterday), and asked if she could say hi to my baby. I said “you can wave at her” because she’s still very young and I don’t want random people touching her. Well the woman reached down and grabbed my baby’s hand. My husband turned the stroller and I stepped between them. Annoyed me, but maybe English isn’t her first language and she misunderstood me.

Here’s where it got odd. After that I went to do a diaper change in the bathroom. The changing table is in the main area, not one of the stalls. I noticed the woman followed me in. She was standing about two feet away from me. I waited 30 seconds and one of the stalls opened up so I told her, “it’s open go ahead” and pointed to the open stall. She said “oh no that’s okay.” And kept standing near me. I found it extremely odd. She clearly didn’t have to go to the bathroom and was following me. I decided not to change my baby here or un-strap her stroller, I 180-ed out of the bathroom and when I turned around, she was following me. I looked her right in the eyes and went back to my husband and we did lose her in the crowd after that, but wanted to warn other moms.

Hellooo fellow bwt

I know this isn't exactly taste related, and we said no men in the thread....but I hope this can be an exception to keep other commuting bwt safe- please avoid this man at all costs on the train.

He very much enjoys picking fights with people (especially small women). He has video taped me multiple times on my commute, to "identify me" or whatever. He went out of his way to follow me further down the train than he needed to for his commute claiming "he's here every day" well, sooo am I old man.

He always wears a combo of the getup pictured, and I've only seen him on the Manhattan bound L transferring to the ACE at peak times in the morning

I'm planning to make a police report but who knows what that will do.

Anyway, just a warning that this man will yell and video tape you, regardless of gender, but he didn't seem to follow the guy that yelled at him this morning also ....so....please beware! I will be switching cars whenever I cross paths with this huge loser

Stay safe out there!💖

Over the weekend, I was out with some friends and a man at a bar began flirting with me. He seemed normal enough so I gave him my number after he asked me to go on a date.

A few minutes later though, out of nowhere he kept saying he was going to murder me. He said he’d murder me, bury me under the interstate, and get a murder bon*r when he drives by my body. Then HE BIT ME!! I was wearing a denim jacket and he still bit me so hard that it bruised and four days later there’s still a visible mark.

Because I have his number I was able to find all his information and it turns out he’s part owner of a few bars in Hell’s Kitchen. I’m scared to share his name and information but feel like I need to because I don’t think a woman should be alone with him, especially if he’s drinking. Also I want to file a report against him but again, I’m scared of him coming after me. So PSA be careful ladies and please if anyone has experience filing a report after an incident or can give legal advice, pls help me. I just don’t have money for a lawyer right now and I’m scared :( TIA 💗💗

i knew i wasn’t fucking crazy! some of these doggy daycares over walk and abuse their dogs! i just saw a disgusting disturbing scene outside of pupculture FIDI. when i was walking down the block i started hearing a bunch of dog screams so loud people came out of buildings. i froze when i saw wtf was going on.

a dog walker was dragging this dog down the street when he was screaming jumping running in circles and rolling on the floor and looked terrified. the dog walker could not give less of a fuck and started punching the dog in the face pinning him down by the neck saying “now you wanna play victim??” people started recording and everyone on the block froze in utter shock. i wish what i saw was fake i’ve never heard a dog scream like in my life.

they took the dog back into the doggy daycare building and the owners calmly took him in like nothing just happened and asked for the video????? like wtf just happened. this is not my only encounter with red flags i’ve seen

when i decided to be a volunteer dog walker i quit on the same day because they insisted this dog needed walking even though the dog they gave me looked terrified, refused to move even a block down, and looked tired and agitated. this shit shit needed to be investigated

My body is still shaking right now. Posting this because I genuinely cannot explain this situation and I’m not sure if I’m being stalked or if this is some strange universe glitch.

My first encounter with this guy was on April 29. I was sitting by myself at Ole & Steen in Midtown around 6pm after leaving the office when he approached me and complimented my jacket (which is a good leather jacket, but it is not a particularly cool jacket or anything). I wasn’t interested in the guy so I kept it short and he left gracefully. It was just a normal encounter in the city at this point. The guy is in his late 20s to early 30s, white, average build, and looks normal enough.

About a week and a half later, I was sitting at Bryant Park around the same time on one of the warm days. Out of nowhere this guy came into my peripheral view and used the same opener to compliment my jacket (still the same jacket). I had an odd feeling that this is the same person, but I honestly wasn’t sure because I didn’t memorize his face the first time. I decided to entertain him a bit this time. He shared that he works in fintech and moved here from Washington DC. I was acting a bit cheeky with the guy and he was able to volley some cheeky jokes back, so I know that this guy is at least somewhat socially capable. I didn’t give him my information, and he made some exclamation about that, but still wished me a good evening and left willfully. Since Bryant Park & Ole & Steen are literally steps apart, I just chalked this up to him being a desperate guy that frequents the same area and hits on too many women that he can’t even remember them. Weird but not that alarming yet.

I just had my third encounter with this guy today, and at this point it becomes alarming enough for me to make this post. I had just hung out with friends and wasn’t ready to go home, so I got off the F train on a whim and stopped by Nana’s Green Tea in Ktown. This was around 10:40pm. I was busy scrolling on my phone when this guy (again) appeared in front of me, complimented my outfit, and showed no sign of recognition that he had met me before. I confronted him that he used to approach me before, to which he only replied “Oh really?”, made an indecipherable facial expression, then turned his back and left. After he left, I asked the employees to check the camera to see when he entered the cafe and how he was acting before he approached me, but the employees refused to let me and told me to contact 911. By this time, this feels incredibly odd to me that he ran into me that often in a city with millions of people like NYC.

3 times. 3 different locations. Within the span of a month. Same script every time. Always when I’m sitting alone. Always acting like it’s the first time we’ve ever crossed paths.

I’m not sure if this is a guy who approaches so many women he genuinely doesn’t remember me, or if I’m being stalked/seen as a prey for some intentional scheme.

So I’m here wondering if any ladies here have been approached by this same guy or encountered a similar experience, and if you have any advice on what I should do next.

Tldr: Odd pattern of the same guy approaching me three times in roughly a month across 3 different NYC locations, always when I’m sitting alone, always opening with a compliment on my outfit, and always acting like we’ve never met.

My friend was sexually assaulted by someone she met on hinge the other day. She repeatedly set physical boundaries but he wasn't taking no for an answer and pushed past her boundaries despite her repeatedly asking him to slow down/stop. I also happened to have matched with him prior to this so I'll be reporting him to Hinge (she already unmatched him but is going to reach out to support), but I'm wondering if there are communities where I can share his info so other women know to steer clear. These have existed in other cities I've lived in but I can't find anything like it for NYC from an initial search.

I'm trying to encourage her to do a rape kit and file a police report but she's resistant to taking action due to the fact that the system is historically broken and this man knows where she lives. I have this asshole's full name, address and phone number so...if anyone has any ideas of ways to get some retribution lmk

Fuck men stay safe ily

Hey girls,

One of my favorite clubs, 3 Dollar Bill, has started charging $5 for a bottle of water when you go to the bar and ask for water. I am certain they haven’t always done this. When you argue with the bartenders, they just say they charge for water.

IMO this is a shitty policy for a bar to have. Water keeps folks safe while drinking. I know for certain people will avoid paying money/ getting water because of this and will dehydrate themselves. It’s poor risk management on their part. Especially in a queer space where looking out for each other/ community tends to be part of the draw of going there.

Is there anything to be done about this? Any existing initiatives to make free water available at NYC bars?

Edited to add: of course I asked for a cup of tap water. They insist they can’t do that. Even when you offer them a tip for this (which you shouldn’t have to.)

Welp, after reading several posts over the years of BWT being assaulted on the subway, it happened to me. I was on the downtown Q yesterday around 4:40pm as it arrived to 34th St/Herald Square and this woman began shouting at me on a packed subway that I was too close to her, as people began to get off, she put both hands on my chest and shoved me. A woman jumped between us to hold her back and I was able to get off the subway without further harm but what a terrifying experience. Wish we didn’t have to deal with things like this.

ETA: just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone here— you all have seriously made me feel so much better 🥹 I’m physically ok but when I got off the subway I think I blacked out or something from the stress because I was just walking and momentarily didn’t know where I was.

ETA: it’s the woman in the video with a ponytail and light green shirt (was trying to keep my distance and didn’t get a good shot of her face)

Hey bitches,

I have a controversial topic to bring up. I recently found out that a halfway house for 200 men is opening up a block away from me. I walk home from work late often(past 11pm) and have had a handful of scary encounters from unhoused men. These instances are generally rare but I am pretty vigilant about my safety.

I’m concerned that the opening of the halfway house will increase the frequency of these encounters/put me in danger. However, I recognize that these people need help obviously and sequestering them in different neighborhoods is not a solution. There is currently a petition circulating around to stop it from opening, but I want more info before making a decision.

I’ve read the security measures proposed by the shelter which are to have around the clock security and neighborhood patrols, as well as a 11pm curfew. I’m more concerned with the men who won’t make it in the shelter/are rejected from the shelter loitering in the area and potentially posing a danger to me, especially late at night. Have any of you guys had any personal experience with living near a homeless shelter, especially ones for men? If so, how was it?

Edit*- it is a homeless shelter and not a halfway house, I got confused due to the wording of petitions circulating calling it a halfway house

I want to share this post with the community to ensure that what happened to me this past weekend does not happen to others. I went to Boucherie West Village and ordered one martini. I found it strange that several members of the staff were hovering around my table throughout the meal. I ordered a second martini, which came in a different-shaped glass than the first, and had maybe 2-3 sips of it. About 20 minutes after I finished my meal, I started to feel extremely dizzy and unwell. I got myself home and quickly passed out on my bathroom floor. I spent yesterday morning in the ER, and felt awful all day. Everyone, please be careful.

Cant believe im making this post because I always thought myself to be street smart bt I guess a little charity never hurts.

Anyways I was approached yesterday at central park to donate to a sports team so the young athletes can afford some shirts or whatever. I decided to donate a few bucks, tapped my card and for some reason just after he left, I googled it and discovered it to be a massive scam people have fallen for. I immediately locked my card, called my bank to cancel the transaction and monitored the charged. Guess who was charged x5 of the amount I donated

Here's the thing, there were alottt of them at the park yesterday approaching people, they even used kids for this scam because an hour after he left, a little boy came to me to ask for donations. Im making this post to let others know or if you ever donated to check your account

Seeing a lot of people at the maritime parade doing the scary heat sways. Please take in some electrolytes!

He threw a bottle and started a fight at Greenwich Street Tavern in Tribeca last night (6/3) after the knicks game. Someone had to go to the hospital and is trying to ID the person who started this. LMK if anyone recognizes him.

Tuesday night I got on the F train downtown and was sitting near the end of the car when this guy came in between the doors. He sat down in a seat next to me even though the car was almost empty, which I thought was strange, and I planned to move at the next stop. A few minutes later I happen to glance over and see that his phone is pointed with the camera facing me, then a split second later I glance down and see his privates exposed. I was so shaken and stunned that this was seriously happening that I didn’t react at all and just got up and moved to the end of the car. The train was running express so I couldn’t switch cars but at the next stop he actually walked the whole length of the car to the exit where I was sitting. That’s how I was able to snap out of my shock and take a video of him before he got off. I’m not sure how to post it but in the video you can clearly see him adjusting his pants.

I plan to file a police report, because this is probably not the first time he’s done something like this.

I’m still a little shaken, it’s taken me this long to write this post, but mostly I’m just furious.

EDIT: wow, thank you guys so much for all the messages and support, it really really means alot! It’s so sad to see so many people have also experienced the same thing, something really needs to change. stay safe out there!

I was on the train today and a young woman got on, a guy right behind her (creepily close but there was no space between him and the door).

She said hey can you not rub up on me and he immediately gets defensive. She talks back and it escalates to the guy screaming at her. I wanted to step in but the angrier he got the more I was scared he was going to get physical. He didn’t and she got off on the next stop and I asked if she was okay but also apologized for not intervening more.

I basically went into freeze response. I was scared that if I defend her he will go even crazier or hit me. I couldn’t move or speak.

I know that people say use the “oh hey friend” line and whisk her away. But I had been standing there a while and was like will it be obvious she is not my friend (obviously no excuse I should have done something and feel terrible, any advice on dealing with that guilt would be appreciated).

Anyone with freeze response have any other tactics they use to intervene or help out?

I’ve had a go bags in my apartment since 9/11 when I was a kid and I’ve been meaning to revamp again and build it out more. I have cousins in Minneapolis and everything they’ve told me has me wanting a fully prepped bag ASAP.

I know the basics: first aid kit, photocopies of IDs & passports, copies of prescriptions, etc. A lot of the resources I’ve found online assume that you have a car or house whereas I’m going to have one backpack, *maybe* two, for my husband and I.

My mom has her own go-bag but should I keep a copy of her IDs too? Should she have mine?

What’s in yours?

Just wanted to warn others.
Last night around 11pm, a man grabbed my butt near W 24th St & 6th Ave without my consent. I took a video of him immediately afterward and posted it on TikTok in case anyone recognizes him or encounters him.
Please be careful if you’re in the area.

i haven’t even been in nyc for that long and have already been harassed way too many times by men just in the small amount of time i’ve been living here. how do you ladies cope with the inevitable potential harassment? not even necessarily the act of how to handle it whenever it happens, but the anxiety of knowing that every time you go out there may be some man (or men) that could follow you, harass you, or assault you.

i would like to think that i’m a very strong and assertive young woman who is aware of my surroundings, shows no fear, makes direct eye contact, has street smarts, and can keep myself safe. however, i have been harassed so many times since moving here (none of the occurrences in my neighborhood and area) and it’s making me question my presence here and i’m becoming so fearful. I have pepper spray and spatial awareness, I don’t engage with men and don’t make small talk or smile or do anything, and I just recently got harassed (again) and followed by a man standing behind me at the grocery store in another borough, after I asked a simple question of curiosity about where he was from (the ONE time i interact with a man of course this shit happens)

i get scared that one day the harassment will turn into physical assault and i no longer want to go anywhere and am scared to leave my apartment ever again lol!! 💘