Old(er) men creeping on young women [at work]

[FeFiFamPho]

Today I visited a shop and a lovely young woman, non-native English greeted us [was with DS2].

Later, noticed an older man talking to her about her weekend plans, specifically valentines plans and repeatedly looking down at her chest. I heard comments such as "sure someone must be taking you out", "you're clearly very worthy" etc...
I went over and interrupted, asking for her help. When she broke free and asked what I wanted, I said "nothing, he was just being creepy". I had hesitated interrupting for a minute later than intended due to trying to check whether she did feel uncomfortable, but she was being nothing but polite and friendly back. When I replied to her to say I wanted nothing, I was just interrupting because he was being creepy, she hugged me and said, yes, thank you. And repeated that twice.

I now regret not stepping in a moment sooner. And also, not saying more loudly when I interrupted, so the man could hear.

Would you have stepped in?
Would you have said anything loudly so the man could overhear?

It's stayed with me. Younger me remembers these interactions. Felt uncomfortable, brushed them off, entertained them.
Nowadays, being older, happy to intersect.
Hoping to bring my boys up to never repeat this behaviour.

AIBU: Should not interrupt/jump in
AINBU: Should always jump in and help younger/fellow females?

And then on other threads I bet those same posters are shouting drip feed , this is such a drip feed!!

I also didn't raise it to be applauded, more to strike a conversation about how often we might encounter these interactions, and how we might handle them. It is frustrating that these men are able to repeatedly letch/corner women into prolonged one-way conversations.

I wouldn't say drip feed, more elaboration due to other comments. I feel my original post captured everything I wished to include to generate conversation.

I assume posters objecting to the "non native" reference wouldn't offer help to someone who spoke very little English because it would be deemed racist. I've lived in a number of countries and although I speak 3 languages to a reasonable standard, there are times when certain dodgy situations or nuances have eluded me. I've always been extremely grateful to be "rescued" by a native!

label what you saw as 'a forced interaction' because that's exactly what it is. IMO it's on a spectrum of male behaviour which has sexual harassment and assault further along the spectrum.

You would assume wrong.

Not judging by some of comments on here. The OP was trying to express that the woman's first language wasn't English and that she was perhaps more vulnerable because of it. I can personally attest that non-fluency can make you more vulnerable not only in linguistic comprehension but also your perception of certain situations.

well done for stepping in and helping her.