24.07.13
BTP launch project to tackle sexual harassment on the Tube
British Transport Police (BTP) has teamed up with anti-harassment campaigners to boost safety on public transport in London.
Project Guardian is a new scheme that aims to encourage more people to report sexual offences and harassment that takes place on the Tube or buses. A recent survey shows sexual harassment is one of commuters’ biggest fears.
2,000 officers have been trained to deal with sexual offences and more officers will be deployed at stations. The project guidelines were developed with the End Violence against Women coalition, Hollaback and Everyday Sexism.
A crime hotline and text service have been set up to increase the rate of reporting.
Ricky Twyford, an inspector and manager of the project, said: “We hope this will send a message to everyone that we will not tolerate this behaviour. We want women to feel confident that they will be listened to and their complaints will all be taken seriously.
“Our core aim is to increase confidence and awareness of the victims of these crimes. Only if they come forward can we find out the extent of this problem.”
BTP and Everyday Sexism are hosting Twitter chats all this week explaining the project and answering any questions. Follow the discussion at #ProjGuardian
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Image c. TfL