TRAIN passengers are being urged to report any “unwanted sexual behaviour” on the transport network.
British Transport Police (BTP) is aiming the new campaign at women aged 16-35 amid concern that sexual offences of all kinds are being under-reported.
BTP, which polices the entire UK network, wants passengers to be aware that they can, and should, report all behaviour that makes them feel uncomfortable.
The force promises it will “seek to take action as a result”.
A short film called Report it to stop it, promoted through Video on Demand channels such as All4 (formerly 4OD), Now TV and YouTube, follows a woman’s journey in which she experiences escalating incidents of unwanted sexual behaviour on board a train.
Viewers are encouraged to interact with the film by deciding at which point they would report the incident by texting 61016.
Chief Inspector David Gray said: “Everyone has the right to travel on the transport network safely and we will not tolerate any unwanted sexual behaviour.
“We want the travelling public to feel confident that we take every sexual incident seriously, no matter what has happened, and we believe what is reported to us.”
Officers say leering and sexual comments, as well as more obvious offences, could be reported.
The force says it is not a passenger’s responsibility to prove it was a criminal offence or intentional, adding: “The police can investigate that for you.”
BTP’s 61016 text number gives victims and witnesses a discreet way to report sexual offences. Offences can also be reported by calling BTP on 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, always dial 999.
