So, like, ExclusiveFigures did some math and found out that the number of recorded sexual assaults on public transport went up from 1,676 cases to 1,799 cases in the year 2024/25. The study was all official and stuff, you know? The data was published on May 15, 2025, and updated on the same day.
The increase in assaults has got people talking, ya know? Marta Vasyuta had a scary experience on the Tube with her friend. She noticed this dude acting all weird and smelling like alcohol. And then, out of nowhere, he started touching her. Marta was totally frozen, not knowing what to do, and no one around her even reacted. She and her friend had to bolt out of there at the next stop.
Seems like Marta’s story isn’t unique. Sexual assaults on train networks have gone up by seven percent from the previous year. Ciara Bergman, the big boss at Rape Crisis England & Wales, said that it’s not cool for people to have to deal with this stuff while just trying to go about their daily lives. Women and girls are especially at risk, which is totally not okay.
What’s even scarier is that some of these attackers get physically violent. Scarlett Owens, a partnerships coordinator, was on the Northern Line in London when some dude started kicking and shouting at her. The worst part? When Scarlett looked for help, the person opposite her just shrugged. Seriously, what’s up with that?
The numbers paint a grim picture, man. Nearly 700 sexual assaults were recorded on the London Underground alone, making up 40 percent of all cases in 2024/25. It’s not just a London thing, though. Network Rail had a whopping 148 recorded assaults in the same year. That’s a lot of messed-up stuff happening on public transport.
Nikita Do Espírito Santo was on her way to watch a game with her boyfriend when a creepy dude started staring at her. She had to switch seats because she felt so uncomfortable. Good thing her boyfriend was there to stare down the weirdo. Nikita doesn’t feel safe traveling alone anymore, and who can blame her?
The stats don’t lie, man. There were 21 assaults by penetration in 2024/25, a 20 percent increase from 2021. And let’s not forget about the horrific case of a 14-year-old girl being sexually assaulted and raped at Harlow Town Railway Station. The police are still investigating, hoping for any leads to catch the perpetrator.
The Survivors Trust thinks the rise in sexual assaults on public transport is no surprise given the level of violence against women and girls these days. The British Transport Police are trying their best, but resources are stretched thin. Nikita and Marta weren’t too thrilled with the police response they got. They believe more staff on trains and a better justice system are needed to tackle this issue.
Det. Chief Inspector Nia Mellor from the British Transport Police says they’re on top of things when it comes to tackling sexual offenses. They’re working hard to encourage victims and witnesses to speak up. It’s a positive sign that more people are reporting these crimes, even though it’s a tough battle.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, there are places to reach out for help. Contact a doctor, a voluntary organization, or a helpline. Don’t suffer in silence. It’s important to speak up and get the support you need.
