Today, Monday, 16th October, an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience is being screened at Birmingham New Street station as part of the rail industry and British Transport Police's efforts to ensure every passenger feels safe when travelling by train,
The event is designed to tackle all forms of sexual harassment by educating people to recognise how such situations happen and empower them to intervene safely and report such incidents.
The latest survey from UN Women UK shows that sexual harassment is a wide-ranging issue, with 71% of women in the UK having experienced it whilst in a public space.
The short film illustrates how incidents can be prevented from quickly escalating by even small actions such as asking the victim if they want to swap seats or asking the perpetrator a question to distract them.
Anyone can help to reduce potential harm by reporting all incidents that they witness, which will help British Transport Police to identify perpetrators. Incidents can be reported by texting British Transport Police on 61016, using the Railway Guardian app. which can be downloaded here. In an emergency, the response should always be to call 999.
WATCH: National Rail's VR film.
Among other initiatives to combat the problem, train operator Northern and students from the Bradford City Community Foundation have teamed up to raise awareness about the problem, whilst the film being shown today was originally screen at London Waterloo station.
Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “As an industry, we are actively tackling all forms of sexual harassment and are committed to making our passengers feel safe when onboard.
“By showcasing the ground-breaking VR experience in stations across the country we're equipping people with tips on how to safely intervene in situations as a bystander without putting themselves in harm's way. Whether you see it or experience it, we ask everyone to report anything that makes you uncomfortable to British Transport Police by texting 61016 or using the Railway Guardian app.”
“Passengers using Britain's railways have a right to feel safe and confident to call out these behaviours without fear.”
Jess Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley and Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding, will be attending the event and has spoken of her support for the campaign. She said: “This campaign is important. Everyone has the right to feel safe on our railways and everyone has the right to feel safe when they try to protect others. That's what a civilised society is about.”
Jo MacPhail, HR director and deputy managing director at West Midlands Trains said: “Sexual harassment is sadly a very real problem within our society and that includes on public transport, so supporting this campaign is hugely important to us.
“Ensuring our passengers feel safe when they travel is our priority, and equipping people with the knowledge of what to do if they see or experience sexual harassment will help to reduce harm and challenge these damaging behaviours.
“By working together, we can help prevent incidents of sexual harassment from escalating and call out the perpetrators.”
David Whitehouse, Safety and Security Director at Avanti West Coast, said: “Our railway is a safe network for passengers to travel on and we are committed to making sure that stays the case. But no one should be worried about what they may experience on their journey, and alongside the rest of the industry we are committed to tackling this issue.
“There are different forms of sexual harassment which many of us are not aware of, from intrusive staring to persistent questioning and this important initiative helps highlight unwanted behaviour. It's important we ensure the travelling public know the role they can play if they see this happening and how to safely intervene as well as reporting those responsible. If a passenger has concerns, they can speak to one of our teams who are always on hand to help, contact the BTP by texting 61016 or using the Railway Guardian app.”
