Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome and unwanted attention, sexual advances or intimidating behaviour of a sexual nature. It can happen in public spaces including the street, the workplace, places of study, public transport, bars, pubs and parks. It can also happen online. 

If you experience sexual harassment in a public place, you can report it to the police, even if it only happened once.

Behaviours

Sexual harassment can include:

  • Intrusive staring or leering
  • Sexualised or offensive comments or gestures
  • Whistling or 'catcalling'
  • Sexual comments, 'jokes', 'banter', suggestions or insults
  • Unwanted sexual messages, images or comments online
  • Persistent sexual advances or pursuit
  • Invasion of personal space
  • Loitering or following
  • Sexual threats or intimidation
  • Unwanted touching or 'groping'
  • Indecent exposure ('flashing')
  • Being photographed or filmed without consent in a sexualised way
  • Upskirting

Safety in public spaces

Everyone has the right to feel safe in public spaces.

We support the Mayor of London's Women's Night Safety Charter, are a White Ribbon accredited organisation, and work with partners to help prevent violence against women and girls, including sexual harassment and spiking.

While responsibility for harassment always lies with the person causing harm, some people may find these practical safety tips helpful:

  • Share your location with trusted friends or family on a personal safety app such as WalkSafe+, Travel Guardian, Hollyguard or Life360
  • Make sure your phone is charged before you travel
  • Plan your route in advance and use well-lit, busy streets where possible
  • Carry a person alarm
  • Report places where you feel unsafe through StreetSafe
  • If you are walking alone, call StrutSafe on 0333 335 0026 to speak to a volunteer until you reach your destination

Reporting sexual harassment

If you experience sexual harassment, remember it is not your fault.

You can:

  • Contact the police by calling 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergencies, or online through the Met Police
  • Share information anonymously through Crimestoppers
  • Text 61016 to report incidents on public transport
  • Tell a member of staff or security about incidents in pubs, bars or shops

Safety and support schemes

Some pubs, bars, shops and other venues offer schemes to help people who feel unsafe.

Safe Havens

Safe Havens are local businesses that provide a place of safety if you feel vulnerable or at risk. Look for Safe Haven signs in participating venues.

Ask for Angela

Ask for Angela is a national scheme that helps people get support if they feel unsafe on a night out. Ask to speak to Angela and staff will help you leave safely or get further support.

Ask for Clive

Ask for Clive helps create safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ people and promotes a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and hate. Look for Ask For Clive posters in the venue ask to speak to Clive.

Being an active bystander

If you witness sexual harassment, you can report the incident and be an active bystander.

It may not always be safe to intervene directly, but there are other ways you can help.

Here are some ways you can intervene safely:

Distract

Cause a subtle distraction and intervene in an indirect way.

For example:

  • Pretend to know the person
  • Ask where they got their shoes, bag or coat from
  • Accidentally bump into them and apologise
  • Ask for directions or the time

Involve others

Ask someone else to help, such as a professional or another member of the public.

You could:

  • Call 999 in an emergency or if you are witnessing a crime
  • Report details such as the location and descriptions of those involved to the police
  • Inform a member of staff or a security guard
  • Speak to another bystander and suggest ways you can help together

Direct action

Address the situation in a non-aggressive way, but only if it feels safe to do so.

You could:

  • Ask the person being harassed if they are okay
  • Call out the behaviour
  • Help the person move away from the situation

Concerned about behaviour

If you are worried about your own behaviour towards women and girls, visit the Home Office's Enough campaign for advice and support.

If you are concerned about a friend, family member or colleague's behaviour, visit Respect's website for advice on how to respond safely.

Support services

Find support for people affected by sexual harassment, abuse, or violence.

Up to Understanding violence against women and girls

Updated: 03/09/2026