Rail industry and British Transport Police set out actions to tackle violence and intimidation against women and girls in new strategy

New measures to tackle violence and intimidation against women and girls (VIAWG) on the railway have been launched by the rail industry and British Transport Police (BTP).  Over the next two years, the rail industry has committed to use greater resources and enforcement measures as part of renewed commitments to ensure that all our customers and staff feel safe on Britain’s railways. 

Violence and intimidation against women and girls accounts for one in five crimes in the UK. With this strategy, the rail industry is taking a whole-systems approach to this societal issue.  Strengthening alignment between enforcement agencies, rail organisations, central and local government, and the wider community. In its role delivering a vital, public-facing service, the rail industry is determined to reflect society’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls. 

Supporting the Government’s aim to halve this, as well as the policing strategy for tackling VIAWG, outlined by the National Police Chiefs Council, this new strategy sets out an industry-wide plan to improve safety across the rail network. The strategy will be delivered jointly by Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and British Transport Police (BTP), with the required support from signatories such as Transport for London (TfL), Department for Transport Operators (DFTO), Network Rail, British Transport Police Authority (BTPA), Transport for Wales, Transport Scotland and Transport Focus. 

According to a 2025 survey of over 2,000 passengers, commissioned by Rail Delivery Group (RDG), nine in ten people believe sexual harassment and violence against women and girls is an important societal issue. The findings also show that 85% of people believe the rail industry has an important role in addressing this issue. 

Building on commitments made last year, the rail industry has worked with BTP to set out a series of new measures including: 

• Enhanced CCTV connectivity and secure digital evidence transfer between rail operators and BTP. 

• Introduced a specialised BTP unit to investigate the highest harm sexual offences, delivering expert-led, suspect-centric investigations. Identifying VIAWG hotspots across the rail network, along with greater use of enforcement powers to prevent harm and deter offenders. This will include a heightened police presence in affected areas and intelligence-led access restrictions for known perpetrators.  

• Increasing the use of Body-Worn Video (BWV) with an ambition to equip 100% of customer-facing staff with the technology by 2028. This can be a powerful deterrent and provide evidence that leads to prosecution.  
• A single, industry-wide framework for vetting customer-facing roles to ensure consistent robust background checks, giving passengers and rail staff greater confidence when travelling and at work.  

Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “As an industry our message is clear, any form of violence and intimidation on the rail network is completely unacceptable. Over the past year we’ve built real momentum, including the continued success of our Zero Tolerance campaign, which sends a clear and unified message that harmful behaviours have no place on our network. But we know there is more to do. 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.” 

Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Too many women and girls have experienced fear, harassment and violence when simply trying to get from one place to another, and it's completely unacceptable. 

"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." 

British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “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. 

“Remember you can discreetly text us on 61016 if you need us or call 999 in an emergency.” 

Priti Patel, Network Rail’s chief health, safety and wellbeing officer said: “Safety is at the heart of everything we do and we’re proud to stand alongside rail industry partners and BTP to deliver this strategy, strengthening prevention, improving reporting and taking clear action to ensure women and girls feel safe and supported across our network.” 

Felicity Oswald OBE, Girlguiding CEO, said: "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.  

"The new measures are a huge step in the right direction and we look forward to continuing our work together to make public transport safer." 

The strategy aims to deliver clear, tangible results. Success will be measured against delivery of the commitments in the strategy, with rail industry partners taking joint accountability for progress. Including through year‑on‑year internal reporting, improved intelligence and data sharing. Additionally, independent passenger feedback—via surveys and VIAWG focus groups—will inform progress made. 

Recent efforts have shown impact: BTP have campaigned heavily to raise awareness and improve reporting of VIAWG-related crimes, leading to a 24% increase from same period in 2023/24.