Virtual reality used to tackle sexual harassment on trains
It was shown to passengers at Birmingham New Street Station today
A Virtual Reality campaign to tackle sexual harassment has been launched at Birmingham New Street Station today.
The immersive film aims to help passengers recognise and combat sexual harassment on the railway, with scenarios of staring, persistent questioning and catcalling.
It shows how passengers can intervene and prevent the situation from escalating with 85% of women saying they would feel relieved if someone intervened when experiencing sexual harassment on public transport.
The event is aimed at tackling all forms of sexual harassment by educating people to recognise how these situations occur for passengers and empower them to intervene safely and report perpetrators.
Sexual harassment is a real and far-reaching issue in society with seven in ten (71%) women in the UK having experienced some form of sexual harassment in a public space, according to UN Women UK finds.
The short VR film shows how small actions, such as asking the victim if they want to swap seats or distracting the perpetrator with a question, can prevent further escalation in the moment.
Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group said: “As an industry we are actively tackling all forms of sexual harassment and are committed to making our passengers feel safe when onboard.
“By showcasing the ground-breaking VR experience in stations across the country we’re to equipping people with tips on how to safely intervene in situations as a bystander without putting themselves in harm’s way.
"Whether you see it or experience it, we ask everyone to report anything that makes you uncomfortable to British Transport Police by texting 61016 or using the Railway Guardian app.
“Passengers using Britain’s railways have a right to feel safe and confident to call out these behaviours without fear.”
Jess Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley and Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding, said: “This campaign is important. Everyone has the right to feel safe on our railways and everyone has the right to feel safe when they try to protect others.
"It is my entire work to try and make it so the safety that men take for granted in their homes, in the public realm, on trains and at work is also what women are entitled to. It's not a big ask."