Sexual harassment against women and girls on British railways has seen a significant increase in recent years, with new data revealing a troubling trend. According to the 2024 annual report from the British Transport Police Authority, the number of crimes against women and girls has more than doubled since 2021, rising from 7,561 to 11,357 in 2023. This alarming rise in incidents highlights the urgent need for action to address the issue of sexual harassment and violence on public transportation.
The Rise in Sexual Offences
In addition to the overall increase in crimes against women and girls, the data also shows a 10% jump in sexual offences on British railways during the same period. Sexual harassment reports have doubled to 1,908, reflecting a disturbing trend of inappropriate behavior towards women and girls while commuting. The prevalence of incidents during the evening rush hour, between 5pm and 7pm, further underscores the challenges faced by women when traveling on crowded trains.
The Impact on Women and Girls
A survey conducted by the British Transport Police (BTP) revealed that more than a third of women have experienced sexual harassment or sexual offences while using public transportation. Unacceptable behaviors such as leering, catcalling, touching, pressing, upskirting, and indecent exposure are becoming all too common for women and girls on British railways. Despite the distressing nature of these incidents, only one in five people who witness sexual harassment actually report it to the police, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action.
Government Response and Initiatives
Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has condemned the level of violence, harassment, and sexual offences against women on public transport as “unacceptable.” She emphasized that no woman should have to fear for her safety while using public transportation and called for decisive action to address the issue. In response to the rising number of incidents, the British Transport Police has launched initiatives such as the Railway Guardian app and the 61016 text service to enable victims to report crimes anonymously. These efforts aim to empower women to speak out against harassment and ensure their safety while using public transportation.
The increase in reporting of sexual offences is attributed to the ongoing efforts by authorities to raise awareness and encourage victims to come forward. The BTP has made tackling sexual offences a top priority and is committed to taking all reports seriously. With patrols of uniformed and plainclothes officers deployed across the railway network, along with access to over 150,000 cameras, the BTP is working tirelessly to identify and apprehend offenders. The force is urging victims and witnesses to report incidents of sexual harassment and offences to help build a comprehensive picture of offenders and take necessary action.
In response to the escalating issue of sexual harassment on trains, the rail industry and BTP are implementing a new anti-sexual harassment campaign to educate passengers on recognizing and addressing inappropriate behavior. The campaign aims to empower passengers to intervene safely and report perpetrators to create a safer environment for all commuters. Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Furnell emphasized the importance of vigilance and solidarity among passengers to combat sexual harassment and ensure the safety of all travelers.
The BTP’s commitment to prioritizing the safety of women and girls on public transport is commendable, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of sexual harassment and violence. By raising awareness, encouraging reporting, and implementing proactive measures, we can work towards creating a safe and inclusive transportation environment for all passengers. It is essential for authorities, passengers, and the community to work together to combat sexual harassment and ensure the safety and well-being of women and girls on British railways.
