Violence against women and girls on British railways has increased by more than 50% over two years, according to official figures from the British Transport Police (BTP). The number of crimes against women and girls rose from 7,561 in 2021 to 11,357 in 2023, while sexual offences increased by 10% from 2,235 to 2,475. Reports of sexual harassment doubled to 1,908 over the same period.
Anna Birley, co-founder of Reclaim These Streets, which organised the vigil for Sarah Everard, said the figures highlight that violence against women is not going away and is getting worse. She stated that the increase is not solely due to better reporting, noting that similar rises are seen across all police areas in the UK.
A BTP survey released last year found that more than a third of women commuting by rail are likely to be assaulted, predominantly during rush hour. It also revealed that 51% of female victims reported that other passengers intervened to help.
The new Labour government has pledged to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. Before coming to power, Labour promised to establish 80 new rape courts across England and Wales to fast-track cases. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the issue as a national emergency that has been treated as an inevitability for too long.
Birley expressed confidence in Jess Phillips, the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, but stressed the need for real action and investment. She noted that despite increased reporting, solutions often remain unimplemented.
