Together, we can stop sexual harassment
British Transport Police are the national police force for trains, tubes and trams across England, Scotland and Wales. We take a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment and sexual offences.
How can I help if I see someone being sexually harassed?
On the train, you might hear someone persistently making sexual comments to another passenger or see them following them through the carriage when they’ve made it clear they don’t want to talk.
You might see someone standing too close on purpose, rubbing up against someone or trying to “upskirt” (take photos up someone’s clothing).
This is sexual harassment and it is unacceptable. You can report it to police and we will take it seriously.
If you see anything that makes you uncomfortable, you can help by being an active bystander. First, report the behaviour to police. Then, consider if you could safely interrupt.
Watch the video for conversation prompts that you can use to interrupt this type of behaviour.
If you see someone being sexually harassed, you can help by remembering to:
- Speak up. If you see anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, speak to a member of staff or police. Contact British Transport Police via the Railway Guardian app or by texting 61016. In an emergency, call 999.
- Interrupt. You don't need to confront anyone or wait for a situation to escalate. As soon as you see something that makes you uncomfortable, you can help by doing something small and subtle to defuse the situation.
- In many ways your presence is your greatest superpower. In some cases, if it is safe to do so, standing between a person causing harm and a victim might be enough to stop what is happening
- Place something in the overhead racks
- Get up to look at the station map
- Take a walk down the carriage to stretch your legs
- Speak to the victim, reassure them, and offer them a subtle way out of the situation. If you’re not sure what to say, how about:
- Are you OK?
- Would you like my seat?
- If you feel able to speak to the person causing the problem, speak calmly to them.
- You could say something unrelated like “What’s the next stop?” or “Is this the Littlehampton train?”. Anything that creates an interruption can help.
- If you feel it’s safe, maybe say “Hey, this is getting a bit out of hand, they are clearly a bit scared”.
- Find your friends – If you have seen the problem, others will have too. Often, in groups we don’t act because others aren’t doing anything. Be the first to act. Ask for help and don’t be surprised when others join you.
Your safety is important. Do not do anything that puts you at risk. If in doubt, you can help by reporting to British Transport Police.
What if I think someone is in danger?
In an emergency, call 999. If you see someone being raped or seriously sexually assaulted, it is an emergency and you should call 999 immediately.
What if I am sexually harassed?
We know that sexual harassment in public places can have a real impact on those who experience it and can affect how safe and confident you feel. British Transport Police is committed to making sure victims and survivors of sexual harassment receive a consistent and supportive service regardless of where they are in the country or when they report what has happened to them.
It takes courage to report sexual harassment and anything that has made you feel uncomfortable is worth reporting. We will always take you seriously.
How do it report it?
You can report using the Railway Guardian app or text 61016. The free Railway Guardian app helps you report crime to British Transport Police and provides information on what to do if you see sexual harassment on trains or at stations.
Viewing on desktop? Search Railway Guardian in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.