Sexual harassment is a daily occurrence for many women. There is still limited research taking place about sexual harassment on public transport in many parts of the world, including the UK, despite the fact that public transport has been described as a ‘breeding-ground’ for gender-based harassment.
Durham University in collaboration with Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland is investigating sexual harassment on public transport in the North-East of England. This three-and-a-half-year local project is part of PhD research at the Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse. The research is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, through NINE DTP.
What does the research include?
The research is a mixed-method study which includes an online survey collecting data on transport usage, incidents of harassment, feelings of fear and risk whilst using public transport.
The second stage of the research is a series of Education Empowerment workshops, which are a space for discussion, analysis and education.
The aims of the research are to; raise awareness of sexual harassment on public transport; develop a evidence-base for local authorities, law enforcement and partners; and to understand how situational factors and different individual identity factors can affect the experience of sexual harassment.
The online survey is now LIVE.
If you are a woman or non-binary person, who either lives, works or studies in the North-East and has experienced at least one form of sexual harassment on public transport in the North-East, you can take part and share your experiences. There is a chance to win a £50 All4One voucher for taking part.
If you are interested in joining a workshop or finding out more about the research, please contact the lead researcher Julia Guy at Julia.f.guy@durham.ac.uk.
