Violence and Intimidation Against Women and Girls

Find out more about our joint commitment to reduce violence and intimidation against women and girls affecting frontline colleagues and passengers

Our commitment

Ensuring the safety and confidence of women and girls across our railway network is not just a shared responsibility - it is a moral imperative.

The Joint Industry VIAWG Strategy sets out a united commitment to reduce Violence and Intimidation Against Women and Girls (VIAWG) affecting passengers and frontline colleagues across the rail network. It sets out the societal issue facing the railways, progress to date and recent activity, the aims and objectives of this plan, and our joint industry-wide commitments to take forward in response to this challenge. This strategy reaffirms our unwavering commitment to making our railways places where women and girls are not only safe, but feel safe, every single day.

Read here

By deepening our partnership with British Transport Police and uniting the industry behind bold, transparent action, we are setting a new standard for safety and accountability. Our goal is simple: a railway where safety is a lived reality for every woman and girl, every day

Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group

We're pleased to see this strategy being launched and welcome the action being taken by Rail Delivery Group and British Transport Police to keep girls safe on trains. Our research shows a staggering 56% of girls don't feel safe using public transport on their own, and that must change.

Felicity Oswald OBE, Girlguiding CEO

British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi

Every woman and girl should feel safe and confident when they travel on our railway. The safety of women and girls is a top priority for me and for BTP.

We will continue to do everything we can to make sure the railway is a safe way to travel for everyone.

British Transport Police Chief Constable, Lucy D’Orsi

We have said violence against women and girls is a national emergency and the rail industry is responding by taking tougher action, providing better protection, and working so no one feels unsafe on our rail network.

Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood

Violence and Intimidation Against Women and Girls

Zero tolerance for violence against women and girls on railways

The rail industry and British Transport Police are united in sending a strong message that any form of violence or intimidation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Stronger action through investment and enforcement

The strategy introduces enhanced measures—such as improved CCTV, increased policing, and wider use of body-worn video—to better protect passengers and staff and deter offenders.

A coordinated, system-wide approach

Rail operators, police, government, and communities are working together in a joined-up effort to prevent, detect, and respond to incidents more effectively.

Focus on real impact and passenger confidence

Success will be measured through tangible outcomes, including improved reporting, data sharing, enforcement results, and direct passenger feedback to ensure women and girls feel safer on the network.

If you witness or experiencing anything that makes you uncomfortable please contact the British Transport Police via text at 61016.