Abstract
This study focuses on bystander perceptions and expected responses to unwanted sexual behaviours on public transport. Level of blame, incident seriousness, likelihood of reporting and intervening were evaluated using a series of 6 vignettes that manipulated passenger density and severity of the behaviour. Half of the participants also viewed a video to raise their awareness of unwanted sexual behaviours. The results indicated that blame was attributed to the perpetrator and not the victim, with perpetrator blame, incident seriousness, and likelihood of reporting all being influenced by a passenger density and behaviour severity interaction. Increasing awareness of unwanted sexual behaviours had no effect with the exception of likelihood of intervention. Findings are discussed in relation to women’s safety during peak and off peak travel and the role of the bystander here. The implications of this for women’s safety are considered.Citation
Ball, K., Wesson, C.J. (2017) 'Perceptions of Unwanted Sexual Behaviour on Public Transport', Crime Prevention & Community Safety, 19 (3) pp 199–210Publisher
SpringerJournal
Crime Prevention & Community SafetyAdditional Links
1743-4629Type
Journal articleLanguage
enISSN
1743-4629ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1057/s41300-017-0026-3
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