Everyone, especially men, must be on board to prevent violence against women on our railways

Statistics shared by British Transport Police showing over a 50% increase in violence against women on trains in the UK over the last two years highlights the vital need for us all to be working together on the Primary Prevention of violence against women and girls.

It is encouraging that British Transport Police figures highlighted that 51% of female victims reported that other rail passengers intervened to try to help. Communications campaigns such as British Transport Police’s ‘Speak Up, Interrupt’ campaign are important to show people how they can be allies and safely intervene when they witness harmful behaviour.

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK said: “There is positive work happening within the rail industry to support this culture change. We need everyone, especially men and boys, to show their allyship to women and girls to prevent violence from happening in the first place.”

A whole-society approach to preventing violence against women across our transport networks is key to achieving this, with the government leading this work informed by expert organisations.

White Ribbon UK works across the rail industry to support positive culture change within organisations and the communities they work within. Everyone deserves to be and feel safe on public transport including staff, and we all have a role to play in making this a reality.