Transport police’s Speak Up, Interrupt campaign

Transport police have launched a new campaign urging people to act on incidents of sexual harassment they witness while travelling.

British Transport Police (BTP) launched the new initiative as figures show sexual offences on the rail network are up by more than a third (34%) since before the pandemic – with 20 more incidents in 2021-22 compared to 2019-20.

It is hoped the new Speak Up, Interrupt campaign will encourage those who witness any form of “inappropriate sexual behaviour” on the rail network to report these.

The BTP has launched a new Railway Guardian App, which can be used to report any such incidents, or people can text 61016 to inform officers.

BTP Detective Chief Inspector Arlene Wilson said: “Everyone has a part to play in driving out sexual harassment.

“We would like passengers on the rail network and subway to make use of our text service and Railway Guardian App to seek support.”

She added: “We are not asking people to police the railway, that’s our job. Being an active bystander or reporting an incident to us can make an enormous difference.”

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth added: “All of our passengers and staff have the right to travel on public transport without fear of being sexually assaulted, verbally or physically abused or harmed and we all have a part to play.”

Joanne Maguire, chief operating officer at ScotRail, said: “To assist us in tackling unacceptable behaviour, it’s important for anyone who witnesses it to report those responsible so that they can be brought to justice.”