LONDON, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Violent crimes against women and girls on Britain's railways have surged by over 50 percent in the past two years, according to official figures.
Latest data from the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) show that violent crimes against women and girls increased from 7,561 in 2021 to 11,357 in 2023.
During the same period, recorded sexual offenses rose by 10 percent, from 2,235 to 2,475, while recorded crimes involving sexual harassment doubled to 1,908.
The BTPA said that such a rise "does not necessarily mean an increase in occurrence of these crimes" but could also indicate a greater willingness among victims to come forward and report them.
According to the Times newspaper, which first reported the issue, Jess Phillips, the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, said the level of violence, harassment and sexual offenses was "unacceptable" and "cannot be allowed to go unchallenged," regardless of whether the figures reflect increased reporting, a rise in actual crime, or a combination of both.
"In this day and age, no woman should have to plan her journeys by public transport based on where and when she will feel safe, and yet that is the daily experience for millions of women, whether they are commuting to and from work, or arranging an evening out with friends," Phillips said.
Paul Furnell, assistant chief constable of British Transport Police (BTP), said such crimes "commonly go under-reported," and therefore, it is anticipated that the number of reports will continue to increase.
A survey commissioned by BTP last year revealed that over a third of women have experienced sexual harassment or sexual offenses while commuting by train or tube. ■