I help harassment victims feel they are not alone

Women travelling alone can sometimes be the target of unwanted attention (picture posed by model)

A woman who volunteers to help others feel safer says ensuring female victims of harassment do not feel they are alone can make all the difference.

The volunteer gave her insight into the support she provides as a rail operator offered placements for 1,000 people to learn how to be "active bystanders".

Govia Thameslink (GTR) launched its initiative as part of White Ribbon Day on 25 November - an international campaign to challenge violence and abuse towards women and girls.

"She was the only person in the carriage as well as me," said the volunteer, who did not provide her name, recalling a situation when she helped a woman who was being harassed by a group of drunk men.

"They tried to talk to her, harassed her a little bit. So instead of me harassing them, I sat nearer to her and tried to just keep her engaged, not necessarily speaking to them.

"That was key for me, to focus on her and let her know that she's not alone and that I'm there."

British Transport Police officers have been speaking to commuters about White Ribbon Day

A 17-year-old girl travelling from Brighton with her father told the BBC hearing comments from men while travelling late at night made her feel "really uncomfortable".

"I get verbally harassed by guys and I don't feel safe walking home" she said, adding it was "really disappointing" no-one had ever intervened.

"You're on a train packed full of people, and other people are listening to what's happening and still nothing gets done. Nothing will ever get sorted if no-one intervenes."

Commuters at Brighton station were offered advice on Tuesday

GTR safeguarding manager Rebecca Butler said: "Figures show 70% of women in the UK say they have experienced sexual harassment in public.

"That's why we're not just boosting our own response to this societal challenge – we're also helping passengers support others if it's safe to do so."

The training will teach people how to intervene without putting themselves at risk or aggravating the situation, usually by joining the person being targeted, asking if they are OK and staying with them until they are safe.

Other strategies include distracting the perpetrator or politely challenging them if it is safe.

GTR, which operates Southern, Thameslink and the Gatwick Express, said it now has 40 Travel Safe Officers working across its network.

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