In August 2025, I was grocery shopping alone when I noticed a man behind me. At first it felt subtle, but as I moved through the store, a pattern emerged. Whenever I stopped, he stopped. When I changed aisles, he followed. Always just far enough away to blend in.

Nothing overt happened. He wasn’t aggressive. But his behavior felt off, and it didn’t look like he was shopping either. It wasn’t enough to call it an emergency, yet it was enough that I didn’t feel comfortable ignoring it.

I texted my boyfriend and asked him to pick me up. When he arrived, we stayed at a distance and watched for a few minutes. The pattern continued as the man moved back and forth near other women in the store.

That’s when we decided to inform the police. Not to accuse him, but because awareness can prevent harm, and early attention can stop something worse from happening.

Afterward, the experience stayed with me. I realized how isolating that moment was: being alert and concerned, yet unsure what the right action was. I was lucky someone could come quickly. But what if you’re alone? What if it’s late at night, or help is far away? And even when authorities are informed, there’s still a gap between noticing something and help arriving.

I decided to build a solution for that gap.
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‍People Protect People was built for the space where something doesn’t need to be an emergency yet, but it does need awareness, presence, and people nearby who care. Because sometimes, prevention is simply not being alone with your concern.

Lisa

Founder of People Protect People