Request ID: FOI-2019-2223 Date published: 15 December 2022
You asked
1. The number of sexual offences reported per year, between 2017 and 2022 (inclusive), on each of TfL's transport networks respectively (.e.g. London Underground network, London buses, etc.)
2.a) Please include the number of each type of offence reported per year for each transport network (e.g. 10 reports of rape on the Underground network, 200 reports of inappropriate touching, etc.) and, if possible, a breakdown of the gender of victims/complainants
2.b) If time does not allow you to provide all of the information requested in 2.a) for every year/mode of transport, please provide the information requested in 2.a) for 2022, prioritising the Tube network and bus network, then for 2019 (the year before the Covid-19 pandemic hit).
N.B. I am already aware of the figures provided in this document: https://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-crime-and-antisocial-behaviour-bulletin-2021.pdf
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-2019-2223
Thank you for your request received on 17 November 2022 asking for information about sexual offences reported on the TfL network.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we hold some of the information you require. Tackling sexual harassment on public transport has long been a priority for TfL and its policing partners, and concerted action has been undertaken for a number of years. In partnership with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), British Transport Police (BTP), Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and women’s safety groups, TfL launched a campaign to tackle sexual harassment on the transport network in October 2021. The campaign highlights various forms of unwanted sexual behaviour that can take place on public transport and aims to send a strong message to offenders that sexual harassment is not tolerated on TfL’s services, and the importance of reporting incidents of this nature. The campaign was informed by research, including focus groups, the expertise of violence against women and girls (VAWG) campaign groups and the policing sector. Since the launch of the campaign, TfL has seen an increase in reports of sexual harassment offences. October 2021 saw the highest number of reported offences since before the pandemic, and these increased levels of reporting have been sustained. The BTP is now also recording offences such as intrusive staring of a sexual nature and verbal forms of sexual harassment, which they didn’t previously, all contributing to a rise in reporting. Increased reporting can help our policing partners build a profile, which could prevent further incidences occurring. The campaign builds on efforts by TfL and police to tackle unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport through Project Guardian and the award-winning Report it to Stop it communications campaigns - both of which aimed to improve reporting levels and to create an environment on the network that does not tolerate intimidation and sexual harassment. The new campaign posters form part of a joined-up national approach to addressing sexual harassment, featuring a consistent message across TfL's network and the national rail network. The campaign also includes magazine and newspaper advertising, editorial partnerships, and other communications. The materials, which appear on buses and trains and at stops and stations, help educate passengers about how to report incidents, encouraging them to do so wherever possible on the bus network at met.police.uk or, for all other TfL services, to text the BTP on 61016. Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers, and should always call 999 in an emergency. Please find the requested information attached. Please note that we can only offer a very broad breakdown of each offence type and do not hold information on the gender of victims. If you require further detail please contact the BTP or MPS directly for this information:
