Over the last two years, violence against women and girls on British railways has escalated by more than 50%, according to official reports. Between 2021 and 2023, the number of reported crimes rose sharply from 7,561 to 11,357. Sexual offenses also increased by 10%, with incidents rising from 2,235 to 2,475, and reports of sexual harassment doubled to 1,908 during the same timeframe. These figures reveal a worrying trend of increased violence on public transport.
Anna Birley, co-founder of Reclaim These Streets, expressed deep concern over this growing issue, emphasizing that violence against women and girls (VAWG) appears to be worsening rather than improving. Birley clarified that the rise in reported incidents is not simply a result of improved reporting but reflects a genuine increase in violent acts. She further noted that this troubling pattern is not limited to British railways but can be seen across various police jurisdictions in the UK.
Surge in Violence Against Women on British Railways Sparks Safety Concerns
The case of Sarah Everard, who was murdered in 2021 by a police officer, remains a potent reminder of the ongoing threat to women’s safety. Despite the national attention given to women’s safety following her death, the statistics show that the problem persists and may even be getting worse. Birley and other advocates continue to push for more effective measures to combat VAWG and safeguard women and girls.
A previous survey conducted by British Transport Police revealed that over a third of women commuting by rail were likely to experience assault, particularly during rush hour. However, in more than half of the cases, other passengers intervened to help the victims. This demonstrates both the ongoing risk faced by women on public transport and the critical role of bystanders in responding to these incidents.
