Police said cellphone cameras had proved to be a powerful arsenal in combating lewd public behavior, especially if the picture caught someone in the act.
But Hall urged women to use caution when taking photos, so as to avoid a violent response, and to report all harassment, whether they have photographic proof or not.
Though Holla Back NYC does not work directly with the police -- Hall wasn't aware of its existence -- the website provides legal resources about street harassment and encourages victims to report all crimes.
For many women, just knowing they now have a weapon at their disposal to fight harassment makes them feel empowered.
Erin D'Souza, a 35-year-old architect, said she wished she had had a cellphone camera several years ago when a man exposed himself to her on a nearly empty subway train.
"It was disgusting," she said, adding that she got off the train at the next station. "There wasn't much else I could do."
matea.gold@latimes.com
