"Over a 1/3 women have been victims of sexual harassment or sexual offences whilst commuting on trains or the Underground" AI

[Lex345]

AIBU to say that as a country we have absolutely appalling statistics on protecting women and girls from sexual offenders and this should be addressed as a priority? It feels like every week, another shocking story is splashed across the news, whether it be for women in the army, the police, the ambulance service, domestic violence figures, sexual assault/rape conviction rates-the stories are all out there and NOTHING happens.

It makes me absolutely furious that this has become some kind of societal norm and shrugged off.

Yep. An utter disgrace.

Appreciate this. Which is even worse.

In a country that is meant to be developed, with the mechanisms, finances and ability to address this much better than we currently do, it is appalling.

"Happens everywhere" smacks a little of we should "put up and shut up". I don't accept that.

Do you have a source for that please?

https://news.sky.com/story/i-felt-panicked-police-target-sexual-harassment-and-assault-on-trains-13075373

There's no real interest in it. It doesn't make money, in fact it costs a lot, doesn't win votes and there's no capital (political,social ,etc) to be gained.

So from the too down, there's no real interest in it.

The point is these statiatics are not from anywhere else, they are from the UK-and although I get your point that a good UK bashing can get grating when we are in many ways a very fortunate country-in this particular issue, we have an appalling record and I don't think it should be minimised by it "happens everywhere".

The point is it is happening HERE. On a massive scale. And not enough is being done about it.

I will be interested to see conviction rates-people report *some crimes already and conviction rate is depressingly low.

The article doesn't quote the source of data and it is also not clear whether 30% of female population is being assaulted on train or 30% of all sexual assaults happen on public transport. These are likely two vastly different numbers.
When you say in your opening post "and NOTHING happens", do you have any specific suggestions for what you would like to see happen?

Better conviction rates and harsher sentencing for offenders would be a good start.

A better sex education programme in schools that doesn't focus just on mechanics and the briefest discussion of consent; but actually addresses unwanted sexual attentions and responsible behaviours.

Better role modelling and speaking out about the issue from politicians, community leaders and actually taking action not just against perpetrators but people who have been complicit.

Probably better victim support services too

@Lex345 and did you write to your MP about it?

Since ten to 8 this morning?! No haha

Why would I write to my MP about it? These aren't hidden experiences or unknown statistics. If an MP isn't championing this cause already, nothing little old me can say will change it.

There is a certain level of apathy about the issue, clearly.

But it IS shit, it’s shit that so many men feel entitled to assault us, or are women not allowed to be angry about that for some reason?

If you can't see why a third of women using public transport experiences this is shit, then nothing I say will change your mind.

The problem is much more deep rooted than this, its an attitudinal problem; its a minimisation of crimes against women-my specific example is in the news today-but this is one of many stories. And conviction rates have not improved from any of those either.

I suppose we should just accept it as part of life, should we, and say "they are trying their best?"

So you want something to change but you don't want to be in any way proactive. Much better to complain when everybody else feels the same way. Gotcha.

It happened to me. The station manager practically salivated as I reported this to him and asked me multiple times to repeat it.

What have you done about it then, if that’s your view? Maybe you can inspire others to do the same?

That's awful :( I am so sorry that happened to you

If I write to my MP, and nothing happens, am I allowed to complain about it then?

Large groups of people talking about it, highlighting the issue and asking for change might make a difference. People with the power to make changes actually addressing it would help.

A lone wolf won't!

Thank you! That is very kind of you to say. It was upsetting at the time (particularly as I have autism) but I know now that he enjoyed it. Had I realised that, I would have responded that I had already told him and that it was not his issue to address.

It was very brave of you to report it and abysmal that you were not treated better when you did.

I hope you got much better support after this as well x