Violence against women and girls on British railways has surged by over 50% in the past two years, according to official data.
Crimes against women and girls increased from 7,561 in 2021 to 11,357 in 2023, with sexual offenses rising by 10%, from 2,235 to 2,475. A survey by British Transport Police, highlighted by The Times, also revealed that reports of sexual harassment doubled to 1,908 during this period.
A British Transport Police (BTP) survey from last year indicated that over one-third of women commuting by rail are likely to be assaulted, especially during rush hour. The survey also showed that 51% of female victims received help from other passengers.Of the results, Kieran Mackie, managing director of Amulet said, “The findings from the British Transport Police (BTP) survey into violence against women and girls (VAWG) makes for grim reading. No one should feel unsafe when using the rail network, but this survey is a stark reminder that thousands of women and girls do face violence and harassment every year.
Of the results, Kieran Mackie, managing director of Amulet said, “The findings from the British Transport Police (BTP) survey into violence against women and girls (VAWG) makes for grim reading. No one should feel unsafe when using the rail network, but this survey is a stark reminder that thousands of women and girls do face violence and harassment every year.
“The BTP needs support in reducing VAWG and security firms have the expertise to do so. We recently took part in a groundbreaking research project with the University of Cambridge and one of our train operating company clients to reduce VAWG at stations that were identified as hotspots for abuse. 60 Amulet Travel Safety Officers (TSOs) were hand selected and briefed on the project which included increasing their presence at target stations.
“Over a six-month period, we saw a significant decrease in VAWG at train stations that implemented enhanced security measures compared to stations that maintained regular security procedures. This was delivered by existing TSO teams without an increase in funding or resources, demonstrating that safety can be enhanced with smart planning and resource allocation.
“I hope that this survey will act as a wake-up call about the extensiveness of VAWG, and spur more action to reduce crime and better support all rail users.”