Surge in violent attacks and sexual assaults on Britain's railways

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Recent data has revealed a concerning increase in violent and sexual crimes on Britain’s railways, raising significant safety concerns.

Over the past two years, the number of violent incidents on trains has escalated by 50%, climbing from 7,561 cases in 2021 to 11,357 in 2023.

Surge in violent attacks

Meanwhile, sexual assaults have risen by 10% during this period, highlighting the growing risks faced by women and girls when using public transportation.

Labour MP Jess Phillips has voiced serious concerns, emphasising that no woman should be forced to plan her journey based on safety fears.

She said:

‘Yet that is the daily experience for millions of women whether they are commuting to and from work, or arranging an evening out with friends. Getting on a night bus or a near-empty train to go home should not feel like taking your life in your hands.”

She added that the “level of violence, harassment and sexual offences that women and girls are facing… is completely unacceptable” and it can not be allowed to go unchallenged.

She noted that many women now feel the need to consider their safety when travelling on public transport, particularly at night. The increase in incidents such as leering, catcalling, and more severe offences like sexual assault and harassment is indicative of a worrying trend.

The British Transport Police (BTP) said the rise in reported incidents is because victims are now more willing to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah White, the head of crime and public protection at BTP, said they are ‘working tirelessly to stamp out this unacceptable behaviour’.

“We have patrols of uniformed and specially trained plain clothes officers across the railway day and night to catch offenders and reassure passengers as they travel, along with access to over 150,000 cameras across the railway network, which can provide us with clear, high-quality images,” she said.

Sarah White underscored the importance of reporting these crimes, which helps identify offenders and prevent further incidents.

But despite these initiatives, there remains a significant gap in public response, with only one in five witnesses of sexual harassment reporting it to the authorities. Now, BTP is urging the public to report such incidents, stressing that each report is crucial in combating this issue.

Recent cases

Recent high-profile cases, such as the jailing of individuals like Edgar Junior and Ryan Johnston for serious sexual offences on trains, underscore the severity of the problem. BTP continues to advocate for increased reporting and public awareness to foster a safer environment for all rail passengers.

I have suffered abuse on public transport, what should I do?

1) Ensure Your Immediate Safety

If you’re in immediate danger, try to move to a safer location, such as a busier area of the transport or near the driver or conductor. If possible, call 999 for emergency assistance.

2) Report the Incident

To the Police:

You can report the incident to the British Transport Police (BTP). They handle crimes on public transport, including trains, buses, and the London Underground.
You can text the BTP on 61016 or call them on 0800 40 50 40 to report non-emergency incidents. If it’s an emergency, always dial 999.

Railway Guardian App:

The BTP also has the Railway Guardian app, which allows you to report crimes, including sexual harassment and abuse, directly from your phone.

Other Authorities: If the abuse occurred on a bus or other form of transport, you can report it to the transport company or local police.

3) Document the Incident

Gather Evidence: If you can, try to remember details about the incident, such as the time, location, and description of the perpetrator. If there were any witnesses, ask if they’d be willing to provide their contact information for the police.

If it occurred on a train, bus, or tram, there might be CCTV footage available. Police and transport authorities can access this as part of their investigation.

4) Seek Support

Speak to a friend, family member, or counsellor about what happened. Emotional support is crucial after experiencing abuse.
Victim Support: You can contact Victim Support, a charity that offers free and confidential help to victims of crime. Their support line is 0808 1689 111.
If the abuse was sexual in nature, these organisations such as Rape Crisis or Women’s Aid who offer specialised support and can guide you through your next steps.

5) Take legal action

You might want to pursue legal action. Contact a solicitor, such as Oakwood Solicitors Ltd who specialise in personal injury to discuss your options.

You may be entitled to compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) if you’ve been injured as a result of a violent crime.

How to make a claim

A Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claim can be made by individuals who have been physically or mentally injured as a result of a violent crime in England, Scotland, or Wales.

Here are the key criteria for making a CICA claim:

The claimant must have been injured as a direct result of a violent crime. This includes physical assault, sexual assault, and other violent offences.
The injury can be physical, psychological, or both. The severity of the injury will affect the amount of compensation awarded.
The crime must have been reported to the police as soon as possible. There is usually an expectation that the crime is reported within 48 hours, although exceptions may be made in certain circumstances, such as if the victim was a child at the time or there was a delay due to psychological trauma.

What is the time limit to make a claim?

The claim must typically be made within two years of the date of the crime. In some cases, the CICA may extend this deadline, particularly if the victim was unable to apply sooner due to the nature of the injuries or trauma.

CICA criteria

The CICA will consider the conduct of the victim before, during, and after the incident. Compensation may be reduced or denied if the victim was involved in criminal behaviour or if their actions contributed to the incident.

The CICA may reduce or refuse compensation if the claimant has a criminal record, particularly if the convictions are recent or relevant to the incident.

Can I make a claim on behalf of my child?

Claims can also be made on behalf of others, such as:

Children: A parent, guardian, or another responsible adult can make a claim on behalf of a child who was the victim of a violent crime.
Fatal Incidents: Relatives or dependents of a person who died as a result of a violent crime can also claim compensation.

Special Circumstances

Victims of historical abuse or those who were victims of crime while abroad may also be eligible under certain circumstances.

What the CICA covers

The CICA provides compensation for physical and psychological injuries, lost earnings due to the injury, and certain special expenses related to the injury.

If you believe you meet these criteria, it’s advisable to contact Oakwood Solicitors Ltd to guide you through the process and ensure that your claim is handled effectively.

New figures reveal surge in violent attacks and sexual assaults on Britain’s railways