Violence Against Women and Girls on Public Transport Under Scrutiny
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is reaching alarming proportions, with the National Police Chiefs’ Council reporting it at “epidemic levels”. A recent uptick in sexual offences on Transport for London (TfL) services has raised concerns, prompting further investigations into the issue.
Rising Incidents of Sexual Offences
Recent statistics indicate that from January to June 2025, there were 907 reports of sexual offences on TfL services, which marks an increase from the 879 cases recorded in the same timeframe in 2024. The majority of these incidents involve sexual assault related to non-consensual touching, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures.
- Over one million VAWG-related crimes were logged in England and Wales during the 2022/23 period, accounting for 20 per cent of all police-recorded crime.
- Since 2018, there has been a 37 per cent increase in VAWG-related offences.
- At least 1 in every 12 women are predicted to be victims of VAWG each year, with actual figures likely underreported.
Investigation by London Assembly Police and Crime Committee
In light of these distressing statistics, the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee is set to continue its investigation into hate crimes and VAWG within the context of London’s public transport system. The upcoming meeting will delve into the implications of VAWG for women and girls, and discuss strategies to enhance reporting and prevention measures.
Meeting Details
The session is scheduled for Wednesday, 3 December 2025, at 10am, taking place in Committee Rooms 2 and 3 at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE. Members of the press and public are invited to attend, and the proceedings will be available for live viewing via webcast and YouTube.
Among those invited to share their insights will be:
- Susan Leadbetter, a transport consultant focusing on Gender Sensitive Design
- Dr Andrew Newton, a criminology and policing expert from Nottingham Trent University
- Tricia Hayes, Chair of London TravelWatch
Context and Implications
The rising rates of VAWG are not just a troubling domestic issue; they reflect broader societal0 trends of violence and discrimination against vulnerable groups. The recent surge in reported offences has brought this issue to the forefront of public discourse, reinforcing the importance of accountability and effective policy changes.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/london-assembly-press-releases/protecting-women-and-girls-public-transport
