'What works' in reducing sexual harassment and sexual offences on public transport nationally and internationally: a rapid evidence assessment

In Britain, public transport is generally very safe and serious sexual assaults are rare. However, research has found that around 15% of women and girls have been subjected to unwanted sexual behaviour on the London transport network, the vast majority of which goes unreported (Transport for London [TfL], 2013a). This document reports the findings of a rapid evidence assessment, conducted on behalf go the British Transport Police, to identify the main initiatives that are being used to reduce sexual harassment and assault on public transport nationally and internationally, and whether these 'work'. Literature searches and a ‘call for information’ identified 1889 potential source materials, 191 of which were ultimately deemed relevant. The main intervention approaches are identified, and where available, the intervention effectiveness is evaluated. Overall, it was found that there is very little rigorous evaluation of these initiatives, and therefore much of the evidence is based upon the views of passengers, staff and transport managers. Recommendations, including thorough evaluation of a range of interventions, including staffing, policing, CCTV and passenger information, are made.

The document is published by Middlesex University, British Transport Police and the Department for Transport.