- “Why’s he sitting next to me when the rest of the tram is empty?”
- “I wish he’d stop staring, I just want to read my book in peace.”
- “I said you’re fit, aren’t you? It’s a compliment. Just trying to be nice.”
More than 70% of women of all ages have experienced some kind of sexual harassment in a public space.
This can include:
On the bus, on the tram, on the train, on the street.
It’s not OK.
Let’s change the story.
See it? Report it.
We’re working hard to keep you safe with:
- 3,800 cameras on the transport network 24/7.
- Over 5,000 hours patrolled by TravelSafe staff each week.
You can help too. If you see someone being sexually harassed, don’t ignore it.
- Intervene if it’s safe to do so.
- Report it quickly and discreetly at gmp.police.uk/livechat
See it? Do something about it.
See someone being sexually harassed? You might be able to help stop things getting worse.
- Make a distraction: Ask “What’s the next stop?” or “Do you have the time?” or offer to swap seats.
- Make a note: Take all the details and make sure you report it.
- Make sure they are okay: Afterwards, check in and ask if they are ok, or speak to a member of staff for help.
Remember: reporting it can help make sure it doesn't happen to someone else.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual behaviour that makes someone feel upset, scared, offended or humiliated, or is meant to make them feel that way.
Here are some common examples of sexual harassment in public spaces.
Getting too close
Choosing to invade someone’s personal space – by standing or sitting too close to them or walking directly behind them on the street – can make women feel intimidated or nervous. Where appropriate and where you can, keep your distance.
Staring
Intrusive, intimidating staring of a sexual nature can be sexual harassment.
Catcalling
It’s not flattering. It’s not just a bit of fun. Keep it to yourself.
Support services
- If you, or someone you know, is affected by gender-based violence please call Greater Manchester Victims’ Services on 0161 200 1950 for help and advice or visit gmvictims.org.uk. Please remember, you don’t have to report anything to the police if you don’t want to.
- You can also contact Victim Support on their 24/7 Supportline – 0808 1689 111 – or via their live chat facility.
- If you, or someone you know, has come to harm or is at risk of coming to harm, you can report this to Greater Manchester Police via GMP’s Livechat facility at gmp.police.uk or call 101. If you, or someone else is in immediate danger always dial 999.
- If you are calling 999 from a mobile phone and you are unable to speak, you can use the Silent Solution by pressing 55 when prompted. Once you press 55, the operator will then transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency.
Find out more
Find out what we’re doing to keep women and girls safe on Greater Manchester’s transport network.
Find out more about gender based violence and the #IsThisOK campaign.
-
Learn more about distractions when driving
Touch. Screen.
Don't touch your phone while driving. It's a dangerous, criminal offence.
-
Learn more about the Bee Network
Say yellow to the Bee Network
Buses in Oldham, Rochdale and parts of Bury, Salford and north Manchester joined the Bee Network on 24 March.
-
Learn more about new Starling Bank Bikes
New sponsor: Starling Bank Bikes
We’re delighted to welcome Starling Bank on board as the new sponsors of our bike hire scheme.
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Find full details of the bus routes, ticket fares and timetables
Manchester City Matchday Buses
We've teamed up with Manchester City to launch a large-scale bus trial helping fans from across Greater Manchester and nearby areas to travel to and from the Etihad Stadium on a matchday.
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Rate your journey
Rate your journey
We want to hear your views to help us deliver a better Bee Network for Greater Manchester.
-
Find out about planned works on the tram
Planned engineering works on Metrolink
Visit our dedicated webpage to find out how the works could affect your journeys.
-
Learn more about distractions when driving
Touch. Screen.
Don't touch your phone while driving. It's a dangerous, criminal offence.
-
Learn more about new Starling Bank Bikes
New sponsor: Starling Bank Bikes
We’re delighted to welcome Starling Bank on board as the new sponsors of our bike hire scheme.
-
Rate your journey
Rate your journey
We want to hear your views to help us deliver a better Bee Network for Greater Manchester.
-
Learn more about the Bee Network
Say yellow to the Bee Network
Buses in Oldham, Rochdale and parts of Bury, Salford and north Manchester joined the Bee Network on 24 March.
-
Find full details of the bus routes, ticket fares and timetables
Manchester City Matchday Buses
We've teamed up with Manchester City to launch a large-scale bus trial helping fans from across Greater Manchester and nearby areas to travel to and from the Etihad Stadium on a matchday.
-
Find out about planned works on the tram
Planned engineering works on Metrolink
Visit our dedicated webpage to find out how the works could affect your journeys.