The fight against public sexual harassment intensifies as police in England and Wales receive enhanced authority to crack down on offenders. Starting Wednesday, a new legal offence targets intentional harassment based on sex, including obscene remarks, threats of sexual violence, and aggressive invasions of personal space in public settings.
New Offence Targets Sex-Based Harassment in Public Spaces
This legislation covers harassment occurring in streets, parks, public transport, taxis, and shops. Perpetrators face up to two years in prison under the updated statutory guidance.
Government Declares National Emergency on Violence Against Women and Girls
The government has branded violence against women and girls a national emergency, pledging to deploy “the full power of the state” to address these crimes with unmatched seriousness. Authorities aim to intervene early to prevent harassment from escalating into severe violence.
Collaboration with police forces, frontline organizations, and advocacy groups will ensure robust enforcement of the new law.
Minister for Safeguarding Speaks Out
Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, emphasized the grim reality: “Many women and girls have been cornered, leered at, or shouted at in public, facing intimidating threats of violence.”
She criticized the outdated notion that victims must alter their behavior to avoid harassment, stating, “That is not good enough.”
Instead, she explained, the focus shifts firmly onto perpetrators: “These new laws put the focus on perpetrators. If you harass someone in public because of their sex, it will not be tolerated, and you can face a criminal record and up to two years behind bars.”
Charity Leaders Welcome the Shift
Rose Caldwell, CEO of Plan International UK, hailed the legislation as a pivotal change. “Everyone deserves to move through public spaces without fear,” she declared.
Caldwell highlighted how harassment undermines the confidence, dignity, and freedom of girls and young women, saying the new act provides clear, enforceable standards by naming these abusive behaviors as illegal and unacceptable.
“Girls shouldn’t have to fear uninvited touching on public transport or accept catcalling as ‘just the way things are,’” Caldwell added.
