Street harassment in the UK refers to unwanted or unwelcome interactions, often of a sexual nature, that occur in public spaces such as streets, parks, public transport, and other open areas. It is directed at individuals because of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, or other protected characteristics.

 

While not always explicitly defined as a single crime in UK law, various aspects of street harassment can constitute existing offences under different legislation. More importantly, it is widely recognised as a harmful and pervasive issue that significantly impacts individuals' feelings of safety, freedom, and well-being in public spaces.

 

Examples of Street Harassment

Street harassment can take many forms, including:

• Verbal Harassment:

  • Catcalling: Whistles, shouts, and sexually suggestive comments.

  • Sexist, homophobic, racist, or other discriminatory remarks.

  • Unwanted compliments or comments on appearance.

  • Persistent and unwanted requests for attention or conversation.

  • Threats or intimidation.

• Non-Verbal Harassment:

  • Staring or leering.

  • Following someone closely.

  • Making unwanted gestures.

  • Exposure (indecent exposure).

  • Touching, groping, or other unwanted physical contact.

  • Blocking someone's path.

• Online Harassment that spills into public spaces:

  • Sharing private images without consent (cyberflashing).

  • Online threats that manifest in public.

 

How Street Harassment Affects People

Street harassment has significant negative impacts on individuals:

• Fear and Anxiety: It can lead to feelings of unsafety and fear when navigating public spaces.

• Restriction of Movement: Individuals may alter their routes, times of travel, or even avoid certain public areas altogether to minimise the risk of harassment.

• Psychological Distress: It can cause feelings of anger, humiliation, objectification, and powerlessness, contributing to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

• Normalisation of Unacceptable Behaviour: Repeated exposure can lead some to believe that such behaviour is normal or unavoidable.

• Impact on Well-being: It undermines individuals' sense of freedom and their right to feel comfortable and safe in public.

• Disproportionate Impact: Women, girls, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people from minority ethnic backgrounds are disproportionately targeted.

 

Legal Status of Street Harassment in the UK

Currently, there isn't one specific law that explicitly criminalises all forms of street harassment in the UK. However, various existing laws can be used to address certain behaviours:

• Public Order Act 1986: Covers threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress.

• Protection from Harassment Act 1997: Can be used if the behaviour amounts to harassment, which involves a course of conduct (more than one incident) that causes alarm or distress. Stalking, a more serious form of harassment, is also covered under this act.

• Sexual Offences Act 2003: Covers offences such as sexual assault and indecent exposure, which can occur in public spaces.

• Equality Act 2010: While primarily focused on discrimination, it can be relevant if the harassment is related to a protected characteristic and creates a hostile environment.

• Offences Against the Person Act 1861: Covers assault and battery, which could include unwanted physical contact.

 

Calls for Specific Legislation

There is a growing movement in the UK calling for specific legislation to criminalise public sexual harassment. Advocates argue that existing laws are insufficient to address the full spectrum of harmful behaviours and that a specific law would:

• Clearly define unacceptable behaviour.

• Send a stronger message that such behaviour is not tolerated.

• Improve reporting and prosecution rates.

• Better reflect the lived experiences of victims.

 

What to do if you experience or witness Street Harassment

• Prioritise your safety: Assess the situation and remove yourself from it if you feel unsafe.

• Consider documenting the incident: If you feel safe to do so, note down details like the time, location, description of the harasser, and what was said or done.

• Report it:

  • To the police: If you feel threatened or if the behaviour constitutes a crime (e.g., assault, indecent exposure, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act). Call 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if you are in immediate danger.

  • To transport authorities: If it occurs on public transport.

  • To the management of a venue: If it occurs in a privately owned public space.

• Seek support: Talk to trusted friends, family, or support organisations that deal with harassment and sexual violence.

• Bystander Intervention: If you witness street harassment and feel safe to do so, consider intervening. This could involve:

  • Direct intervention: Speaking directly to the harasser (only if you feel safe).

  • Distraction: Creating a diversion to interrupt the harassment.

  • Supporting the victim: Checking in with the person being harassed and offering support.

  • Delegating: Asking others for help or reporting the incident.

 

Addressing street harassment requires a multi-faceted approach, including potential legal reform, public awareness campaigns, and a societal shift in attitudes towards unwanted and unwelcome behaviour in public spaces.