Violent attacks on women on British railways have more than doubled since 2021.
There was a 10% increase in sexual offenses, among the 7,561 crimes against women and girls in 2021 compared to 11,357 in 2023.
Over the past two years, the number of reports of sexual harassment has also doubled, to 1,908.
According to a survey conducted by the British Transport Police (BTP) last year, over one-third of women who commute by rail said they would experience violence during their journey.
According to BTP data, the majority of assaults happen in the evening rush hour. When trains are crowded and moving quickly.
More than ever, women are victims of unacceptable behavior such as leering, catcalling, touching, pressing, upskirting or indecent exposure. Of these victims, 51% say, that other rail passengers tried to assist them.
Only 1 in 5 persons who have seen instances of sexual harassment. However, have reported it to the authorities.
Last year, BTP Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Furnell issued a warning to the public to be cautious and supportive of one another when riding the train or tube.
“I’m sure most of us have advised our friends, moms or daughters to use caution. When traveling home alone late at night. Maybe they should report, their travels and stay in well-lit areas,” he remarked.
However, statistics indicate that sexual harassment and offenses are more likely to occur during peak travel times, when carriages are at the fullest. Sexual harassment and offenses can occur at any time of day.
“Taking action when we witness something wrong. Such as reporting it to the police or intervening. If you feel safe doing so.”
The rail sector and BTP are launching a fresh continuous anti-sexual harassment campaign on trains.
To prevent sexual harassment of any kind while traveling to work, home or any other destination. It seeks to educate passengers on how to identify instances of it. How to safely intervene and how to report offenders.
Brit News Hub Analysis: The government should take effective steps to control any type of violence against women, whether she is going on the road or traveling via railway. At any cost protection of women should be applied. There are methods to counter harassment cases.
- Security in person can be deployed on every train for quick response, this will discourage unethical activity.
- CCTV can be launched on the door of the train for identity in case of an incident
- Visiting traveler’s data can help to find suspects. This needs every person who entered in stations to enter their information. Like picture and identity proof
- Women’s safety can be ensured with digital applications. Police can make applications for women’s safety, and when she is in trouble one click can alert police to respond. In this way, harassment cases are minimized at a certain level.
