Question reference: S6W-09682
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 8 July 2022
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Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 4 August 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce sexual violence against women and girls on trains and at railway stations, in light of reports that British Transport Police data shows that 46 sexual assaults were reported by women on Scotland’s railways in 2021, which is reportedly the highest number in more than a decade.
Answer
British Transport Police (BTP) is a reserved matter and as such the Scottish Government has no locus in their operations. I have recently had meetings with BTPs Chief Constable and the Chief Superintendent of D Division (Scotland) and discussed this very matter with them.
In addition officials are undertaking research on women and girls’ personal safety across and around public transport. This includes engagement with national and local organisations representing the interests of a cross-section of women, as well as Trade Union groups who represent female staff working on the public transport network.
This engagement work with women and girls, which is currently underway, is expected to capture views and experiences of accessing and using public transport. The outcomes of this engagement work, alongside our evidence review, will be used to inform our understanding and any future policy development.