Police to Grade Train Operators on Sexual Harassment Response; Victims Voice Concerns
Train operators in the UK are now facing police scrutiny regarding their efforts to combat sexual harassment on railway networks. Under a new government programme, companies will be evaluated against eight distinct criteria, including victim assistance and crime prevention strategies. However, women's safety organisations and survivors of abuse on trains contend the proposals are inadequate.
Lack of Penalties Raises Questions
The 'Safer Railway Scheme' mandates that the British Transport Police (BTP) will assess how operators support victims, safeguard vulnerable passengers, train staff, and proactively prevent harassment. An accreditation requires an overall score of at least 70%, with the Department for Transport able to demand improvement plans from those falling short. Crucially, the government has explicitly stated there will be no financial or legal penalties for operators failing to meet these targets.
This absence of direct consequence has been a point of contention. Lucy Asson, 27, who experienced a sexual assault on a train in December, expressed profound disappointment. "I'm angry, this is not enough," she stated. "It's a score that doesn't count for anything in my eyes as there's no implication. It doesn't reassure me." Asson, currently receiving counselling for the incident, described the plans as "a tiny plaster over a gaping wound that's getting bigger and bigger."
The End Violence Against Women Coalition also voiced concerns, noting that while they support greater scrutiny for train operators, the current plans do not go far enough. Janaya Walker, interim director, highlighted that while "a naming and shaming exercise is one way to incentivise companies," passengers often lack the option to avoid operators with poor records.
Safeguarding minister Natalie Fleet acknowledged the impact of such behaviour, stating: "I know what it is like to experience this kind of behaviour – the fear, the anger, and the way it changes how you move through the world." The Rail Delivery Group, representing UK operators, stated the scheme would establish clear standards "to reduce both crime and the fear of crime."
This initiative follows the Public Sexual Harassment Act, recently enacted, which criminalises intentional, sex-based harassment in public, carrying penalties up to two years' imprisonment and fines. The BTP maintains a strict stance against sexual harassment on the network, encouraging passengers to report incidents via text to 61016.
