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Original poster

Violent attacks against women on trains rise by more than 50%

30 replies

IwantToRetire · 14/08/2024 17:07

The number of violent attacks against women and girls on Britain’s railways has increased by more than 50 per cent over the past two years, according to official figures.

Violent crimes have risen from 7,561 in 2021 to 11,357 last year, while the number of sexual offences has risen by 10 per cent from 2,235 to 2,475 over the same period. The number of cases of sexual harassment reported over the same period has doubled, to 1,908.

A survey commissioned by British Transport Police found that over a third of women have been subjected to sexual harassment or sexual offences while commuting by train or tube.

The survey found that 51 per cent of those who have been victims of sexual offending said that other passengers had tried to help them. Crime data shows that most sexual offences take place during the evening rush hour period, between 5pm and 7pm, on busy train carriages.

continues at https://www.thetimes.com/article/violent-attacks-women-girls-public-transport-rise-by-50-percent-bs8dq38hr

Can also be read at https://archive.is/jLH9r

Violent attacks against women on trains rise by more than 50%

British Transport Police attribute the rise to a greater reporting of offences, but the increase highlights growing concerns over safety on public transport

https://www.thetimes.com/article/violent-attacks-women-girls-public-transport-rise-by-50-percent-bs8dq38hr

OP posts:
OldMutantDecrepitTurtle · 15/08/2024 13:43

lcakethereforeIam · 15/08/2024 11:26

I think one of the reasons train designs moved to open carriages was because of sexual assaults. I remember some compartments didn't even have corridors, so women and girls had no safe way of escape once the train was moving.

I wish that this national emergency of misogynistic violence could be dealt with as enthusiastically as the recent public disorder.

Yes, it's amazing how quickly cases make it through to court and how room can be found in the prisons when the crimes are deemed serious enough.

Grammarnut · 15/08/2024 17:12

Ramblingnamechanger · 15/08/2024 13:10

IWFH most of the article talks about trains in the 1880s! While we might hope that things were different now , life has changed for the worse for women travelling. In whose interest is it for men and women to be crushed up together in overcrowded carriages? Agree that there will be some men trying to access but a little female solidarity, as shown in India , would deal with them. Ok maybe one third women only , one third mixed and on third men only. Let’s see which one women will choose these days.

I travelled alone late at night from the West End out to Ealing in the late 60s, on the Picadilly and the Central line (our school encouraged theatre visits and got us concession tickets). Never accosted, never felt under threat, even when alone in a carriage. Was I just lucky? NB my best friend did the same journey, but getting out at Acton, and also never had any problems. I don't mean we ignored things, I mean things did not happen.

Mind, one thing I did notice in the 60s - relevant to another thread on MN - was that Asian men tended to target young white girls.

Original poster
IwantToRetire · 15/08/2024 17:16

I would be more interested in figure from 2019

As said upthread and in the article, this is about a new project to specifically look at this issue, so there aren't the figures collated in the same way.

And has been suggested that the increase is because there is now an app to do it.

Not that I am suggesting that all women will have or want an app, but may explain that for some it makes it easier to support.

OP posts:
Original poster
IwantToRetire · 15/08/2024 17:20

Irridescantshimmmer · 15/08/2024 02:50

I remember an incident on a tube train many years ago, where I heard a young lady yell and run up the train, a tall, well built male sat near her but would not take his eyes off her, she was very young, probably a teen dressed casual, long hair and no makeup.

I was watching them both, he was having fake conversations with the police on his phone speaking none stop she was absolutely petrified, fortunately she was with a young man so she was not alone. When this creep stood up and made a bee line for her, my instincts just kicked in and I spun round, and blocked him so she was in front and he was behind me....... She mouthed the words 'thank you' to me.

Predatory behaviour of this creep just wound me up so much I just had to do something, I could not ignore it, I am quite petite just under 5 foot so short stature and the idiot toweted over me (6 foot) but I had no fear.

I suspect he may have had a disorder of some kind, it was impossibke for me to tell, he just went into a big mood stormed off down the tube and sat down with a face like a slapped arse.

I'm like ' I don't believe that just happened'

Well dont you.

I am not sure I would have done that.

But also, suggested in other circumstance, but why not on a train, if you think a woman is being intimidated, stared at or whatever, start of conversation with them.

Asking silly questions like, weren't we at school together, or something,

I am not sure if it helps but if she feels reassured that someone is aware of her, and the man knows that someone is in contact with her, could put him off.

But just ridiculous that in the 21st century women should have to play these games because men dont know how to behave.

OP posts:
Original poster
IwantToRetire · 16/08/2024 17:34

Asking silly questions like, weren't we at school together, or something,

Although on reflection, I might have to say "are you the daughter of Jane Smith? You look just like her when we were at school together"

OP posts:
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