New figures from the British Transport Police Authority’s 2024 annual report reveal a worrying increase in violent incidents targeting women on Britain’s railways, sparking growing concerns about safety on public transport.
Over the past two years, reported violent crimes against women and girls have surged by more than 50%, with numbers jumping from 7,561 in 2021 to 11,357 in 2023. Sexual offences also saw an increase, rising by 10% from 2,235 to 2,475 during the same period, while reported cases of sexual harassment have doubled, reaching 1,908. These include leering, catcalling, touching, pressing, upskirting or indecent exposure, all of which is being experienced by women more than ever.
The British Transport Police (BTP) suggest this rise may partly be due to more victims reporting these incidents. However, this increase shows a troubling reality for many women who rely on public transport. A survey conducted by the BTP revealed that over one-third of women have faced sexual harassment or assault while commuting.
51% of those affected by sexual offences reported that fellow passengers intervened to help them. Data also indicates that these crimes most frequently occur during the evening rush hour, between 5 pm and 7 pm, in crowded train carriages—times and places where women should feel secure, not vulnerable.
Jess Phillips, the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, voiced her deep concern over these findings. “In this day and age, no woman should be forced to strategise her travel plans based on where and when she might feel safe,” Phillips remarked. “Yet, this is the daily reality for millions, whether they’re commuting to work or meeting friends. The simple act of catching a night bus or an empty train home should not feel like a gamble with one’s safety.”
Phillips emphasised that whether the rise in statistics is due to increased reporting or a genuine increase in incidents, the level of violence and harassment faced by women on public transport is intolerable and demands action.
In response, the British Transport Police have introduced measures to make reporting easier and enhance passenger safety. This includes the launch of the “Railway Guardian” app, which allows individuals to anonymously report crimes, and the 61016 text service for discreetly alerting authorities to incidents.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah White, who leads crime and public protection at BTP, reaffirmed the force’s commitment to tackling this issue. “Sexual harassment and assault have no place on our railways,” White stated. “We’re working around the clock, with uniformed and plainclothes officers patrolling the network day and night, supported by over 150,000 cameras that provide high-quality images to help us catch offenders and reassure passengers.”
As women continue to face unacceptable levels of violence and harassment on public transport, it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure they can travel safely without fear.
