Tackling Violence and Intimidation Against Women and Girls: How the Transport Sector Can Play Its Part
By Denise Harrison MBE, Head of Safety at First Bus
Violence and intimidation against women and girls is a pervasive problem that can no longer be ignored. For too long, this issue has been brushed under the rug, with many victims suffering in silence. As we begin to confront this societal problem head-on, one sector that can make a significant difference is the transport industry. With its vast network of drivers, conductors, and operators, the transport sector has the unique opportunity to act as both a safeguard for vulnerable passengers and a powerful ally in the wider fight against gender-based violence.
New Amendments: A Step in the Right Direction
Recent amendments to regulations are a step in the right direction for the transport sector. These changes are designed to improve safety and security for both employees and customers, ensuring that everyone who uses or works in the transport network feels protected. However, these regulations are just the beginning. The real change will come when every sector of society takes responsibility for tackling violence and intimidation against women and girls, and this includes the transport industry.
The Power of Partnership
Passenger transport is the thread that weaves together communities. It connects people to their work, families, and friends, unlocking economic, social, and environmental benefits. Every day, over 80,000 bus and coach drivers, along with train and tram operators, navigate the transport network, helping millions of people get where they need to go. And when you include taxi drivers, the number of 'eyes' on the network grows exponentially. This extensive workforce plays a vital role in creating safer public spaces.
From my own experience—and the experience of countless other women—violence and intimidation are all too common. One in three women will experience some form of abuse in their lifetime, making it essential for everyone to take an active role in creating safe environments. The transport industry can play a pivotal part in addressing this issue by adopting a holistic approach that influences societal behaviours in a positive way.
Education and Awareness: The First Step
To make a meaningful impact, we need to raise awareness and educate people about the signs of abuse. Recognising the flags of violence—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—is crucial in tackling the issue. When we normalise conversations around abuse, we create safe spaces where victims can seek help without fear of judgment or shame.
For many women, speaking out about abuse can be incredibly difficult. I can speak from experience: in the early days, I wasn’t brave enough to speak out. The stigma and fear of not being believed are powerful barriers. However, I have come to realise that by talking about it, we can strip the power away from the perpetrators. I’ve witnessed how the act of reporting abusive behaviour can transform the dynamics of an entire situation—where a pattern of intimidation can addressed quickly when the incident is brought into the light.
This is where allyship becomes so important. In the context of transport, allyship means being aware of the signs of abuse, being ready to offer support, and ensuring that the victim has the option to report the incident safely. While drivers, conductors, and other transport staff are not expected to be security officers or law enforcement, they can still play a vital role in protecting their passengers and reporting incidents.
Allyship in Transport Operations
What does allyship look like within transport operations? It’s about understanding the limits of your role while still being proactive. For example, if you're a bus driver, your job is not to intervene directly in confrontational situations, but you can be a conduit for reporting incidents, capturing evidence, and helping to create a safer space for everyone. You can make a difference by doing your part to support the wider effort.
At the same time, transport operators can help design out risk. For instance, when manufacturers design vehicles, they can ensure that blind spots are minimised, making it easier to identify potential threats. How and where routes are scheduled, where buses stop, and how the service is provided to vulnerable customers all have an impact on safety. By forging strong partnerships with local authorities and key stakeholders, transport operators can help shape their communities in ways that make it more difficult for abuse and intimidation to thrive.
Designing Out Risk and Strengthening Partnerships
Safety doesn’t stop with education and awareness. It also involves practical, structural changes to the way transport services are designed and operated. For example, vehicles should be equipped with security measures that help protect both workers and the public from anti-social behaviour (ASB). Safe zones can be created for vulnerable passengers, and clear reporting channels can ensure that incidents are documented and acted upon swiftly.
By collaborating with local authorities, police, and other stakeholders, transport operators can ensure that they are contributing to a wider effort to improve safety. This partnership approach not only helps to change perceptions about safety and security on the transport network but also increases public confidence. When people feel safer, they are more likely to use public transport, leading to greater customer satisfaction and growth for operators.
A Holistic Approach: Supporting Survivors and the Wider Community
Ultimately, tackling violence and intimidation against women and girls requires a holistic, societal approach. Transport operators can play an important role in this by supporting not only the police and judicial system but also charities and organisations that provide vital services to survivors of abuse.
When transport operators adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and intimidation and work closely with local authorities and community organisations, they can become key allies in creating a safer, more supportive society. This collaborative effort is vital to ensuring that women and girls can travel without fear of violence or harassment and can go about their daily lives with confidence.
Conclusion
The transport sector, with its vast workforce and deep community connections, has a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the fight against violence and intimidation. While new regulations are an important step, true change will only come through education, awareness, and partnership working. By taking a proactive stance on safety, designing risk out of operations, and fostering allyship, the transport industry can help support a society where women and girls are no longer intimidated or subjected to violence. It's a challenge, but it's one that we can meet together.
Denise Harrison MBE is the Head of Safety at First Bus with forty years of experience in operations and health and safety in the bus industry.
Denise started work as a catering assistant in a bus station canteen back in 1984 at the age of 17.
In 1986 she became a bus driver and over the years has held various leadership roles in both operations and health and safety.
Denise is a long-standing member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and is a Charted Fellow of the institute of Occupational Safety & Health.
Denise dedicates her spare time to supporting the next generation by mentoring and supporting women who want to become leaders in health and safety and/or the bus industry.
As Head of Safety at First Bus Denise has co-chaired the safety committee of the CPT and leads on various projects including violence against women and girls, formulating strategies to tackle this crime for public transport.
In June 2024 Denise was recognised for her work to the Bus Industry in the Kings Birthday Honours with an MBE.