Step into her shoes: VR highlights sexual harassment on trains

A campaign has visited Glasgow Central Station, using virtual reality (VR) technology to raise awareness of sexual harassment on public transport.

Developed by Rail Delivery Group, the initiative places participants in the role of a female passenger, allowing them to experience first-hand the intrusive stares, unwanted questions, and catcalling that many women face while travelling alone.

The immersive VR experience, tested by passengers at the station, presents real-life scenarios of harassment, aiming to challenge perceptions and encourage intervention from bystanders.

Inspector Chris Sutherland from the British Transport Police said: "As a man, I picked up on some microaggressions which were quite evident.

"The man in the simulation was tapping his fingers on the table, smirking, leaning in towards you. I was thinking 'what exactly is going on there?'

"It makes you think as a bystander about how you can intervene and keep that person safe, and also about how to challenge the behaviour of male friends."

'Uncomfortable'

Participants who tested the VR simulation described it as eye-opening and uncomfortable, with many saying it made them more aware of the emotional impact of such encounters.

One male participant noted: "It was quite interesting, it really put you in the environment.

"It lets you see things from a different perspective.

"The first scenario was creepy, with a guy following you around, and it was strange having someone stare at you like that."

'It won't be tolerated'

Catherine Lyver from Rail Delivery Group said people's reactions have been surprising: "The one that really stood out for me was a grandfather.

"When he came out of the simulation, he was really emotional because he was stepping into the shoes of his granddaughters who use public transport a lot.

"We really want people to feel safe using the railway, we want to address this behaviour and we want people to report this.

"Sexual harassment won't be tolerated."

The campaign aligns with ongoing efforts to tackle sexual harassment on public transport, with authorities urging passengers to report incidents and support those affected.

It is hoped the initiative will drive cultural change, encouraging people not only to recognise harassment but to actively challenge it when they see it happening.

The VR experience at Glasgow Central is part of a wider campaign to promote safe and respectful travel for all passengers, with visits to other UK train stations having already taken place.

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