Violence against Women on UK Trains surge by 50%

Data has revealed that violent attacks against women on Britain’s trains have increased by more than 50% since 2021.

Figures from the British Transport Police Authority’s 2024 report showed that the number of crimes against women and girls rose from 7,561 in 2021 to 11,357 in 2023.

The number of sexual offences rose 10% from 2,235 to 2,475 over the same period.

Sexual harassment reports doubled to 1,908.

It comes after a separate British Transport Police (BTP) survey released in 2023 found that over a third of women have been sexually harassed or subjected to other sexual offences while commuting on the train or Tube.

BTP data also suggests most assaults happen during the evening rush hour, between 5 pm and 7 pm, when trains are busy.

The unacceptable behaviour includes leering, catcalling, touching, pressing, upskirting or indecent exposure.

Over 50% of female victims said other rail passengers had intervened to try to help.

But only one in five people who have witnessed sexual harassment incidents reported it to police.

Jess Phillips, who is the government minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, said:

“In this day and age, no woman should have to plan her journeys by public transport based on where and when she will feel safe, and yet that is the daily experience for millions of women whether they are commuting to and from work, or arranging an evening out with friends.

“Getting on a night bus or a near-empty train to go home should not feel like taking your life in your hands.

“Whether these figures reflect an increase in reporting, an increase in the volume of crime, or a combination of the two, one thing is clear: the level of violence, harassment and sexual offences that women and girls are facing when using the transport network is completely unacceptable, and cannot be allowed to go unchallenged.”

In 2023, BTP Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Furnell called on the community to watch out and stand up for each other while catching the train or Tube.

He said: “I’ll guarantee that most of us have told our daughters, mums, or friends to be careful on their way home when they’re travelling alone late at night – perhaps to share their journeys and stick to well-lit areas.

“But we know that sexual harassment and offending can take place at any hour of the day.

“And our figures show that it’s most likely to happen at the busiest hours when carriages are most full.

“If we see something that isn’t right, doing something about it, whether that’s intervening, if you feel safe to do so, or reporting it to police.”

DESIblitz spoke to a few British Asian women to get their thoughts on the statistics and their experiences of travelling on the train.

Sukhpreet Kaur* explained: “Male violence against women and girls is, unfortunately, not a new issue, so these figures, while distressing, are not surprising.

“However, combined with the rise in anti-immigrant riots and far-right protests, it’s yet another reason for women to feel the need to watch their backs constantly.

“As a woman on public transport, you almost become desensitised to men pressing against you when it’s crowded, the lack of personal space, and the risk of upskirting – especially during warmer months.

“This behaviour has become so normalised that we can’t rely on public awareness campaigns or reporting to the police for protection, especially since the situation hasn’t improved since 2021.

“In these circumstances, support from other women becomes crucial.”

Student Khushi Sharma* agreed: “It’s sad that this is increasing but I’m not surprised.

“Whenever I get the train, I am always wary of my surroundings and if it is busy, I make sure to get a seat next to another woman.

“Most men are fine but I always have that fear that I will sit next to one with bad intentions.”

Ananya Raut* said: “It’s terrible to see this increase in 2024. You would think the number would decrease.

“I hardly get the train but when I do, I always travel with a friend. You don’t know who is sitting in the same carriage.

“There should be plain-clothed officers sitting in carriages to keep an eye on what’s going on and catch sexual harassers on these trains.”

Speaking about her experience, Simran Kaur* recalled:

“When I get the train by myself, I make sure to dress modestly.

“About two years ago, it was hot and I was on the train wearing a playsuit.

“This guy sat opposite me and just kept looking at me, especially staring at my legs.

“I tried not to make eye contact with him and even though he was only on the train for one stop, it made me very uncomfortable.

“I didn’t report it because I didn’t know how to but now, I make sure to wear clothing like jeans to avoid another incident like this.

“BTP need to make reporting sexual harassment clearer or have more staff on trains.”

On trains, the rail industry and BTP are rolling out a new anti-sexual harassment campaign which aims to educate passengers on how to recognise potential situations and intervene safely.