Increase in Violence Against Women on Trains in Britain

The British Transport Police Authority has reported a concerning 20% increase in violent crimes against women and girls on the transport network over the past year, with over 11,000 complaints recorded. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh described the figures as "appalling," emphasizing the government's commitment to holding publicly-owned railways accountable. The report indicates an average of 31 violent crimes per day, highlighting the urgent need for action. Many women and girls face significant barriers when it comes to reporting these crimes, including fears of disbelief or retaliation from their abusers, as well as a lack of trust in the reporting system. The End Violence Against Women Coalition suggests that the rise in reported incidents may reflect an increase in women's willingness to come forward rather than a surge in actual offences. The annual report noted 11,357 violent crimes against women and girls for the year ending March 31, 2024. While the number of sexual harassment incidents decreased slightly from 2,040 to 1,908, a separate report indicated a one-third increase in reported sexual offences against young women on London’s transport network. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips stressed the need for confidence in the reporting process and the importance of addressing the unacceptable levels of violence and harassment faced by women. In response to these alarming trends, a new reporting app, Railway Guardian, has gained traction, with over 146,000 downloads. Official figures reveal that violent attacks against women on Britain’s railways have surged by more than 50% in the past two years, underscoring the critical need for enhanced safety measures.