“Violence Against Women on British Trains Surges by 50% Since 2021”
Violent attacks against women on British railways have surged by more than 50% since 2021, according to the latest data from the British Transport Police Authority’s 2024 annual report. The report reveals that the number of crimes against women and girls increased from 7,561 in 2021 to 11,357 in 2023.
The data also indicates a 10% rise in sexual offenses during the same period, while reports of sexual harassment have doubled. These troubling statistics were first reported by The Times and highlight a significant escalation in violence against women on public transportation.
A separate survey conducted by the British Transport Police (BTP) last year found that over a third of all women traveling by rail have experienced some form of assault during their commute. The data shows that most assaults occur during the evening rush hour when trains are crowded, making it difficult for victims to escape or seek help.
Unacceptable behaviors such as leering, catcalling, unwanted touching, pressing, upskirting, and indecent exposure are increasingly being reported by women. While about 51% of female victims said that other passengers intervened to help, only one in five witnesses reported these incidents to the police.
BTP Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Furnell emphasized the need for community vigilance, urging the public to look out for one another while using public transportation. “Most of us have told our daughters, mums, or friends to be careful when traveling alone, especially at night. But we know that sexual harassment and assaults can happen at any time, often during the busiest hours,” he said.
The rail industry and BTP are responding with an ongoing anti-sexual harassment campaign designed to educate passengers on recognizing and safely intervening in such situations. The campaign also aims to encourage reporting of perpetrators to ensure the safety of all passengers.
The message is clear: everyone has a role in combating harassment and making rail travel safer for all.
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