25 November 2025: On White Ribbon Day today, the UK’s largest train operator, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), has announced free training sessions supporting staff and empowering passengers to safely support someone who is being harassed. They will be delivered by charity Protection Approaches.

GTR’s recently expanded team of 40 Travel Safe Officers (TSOs), who work across the Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink network have already gone through the training.

Now, 1,000 free spots on the courses are being made available to staff and the public.

In a national survey, 80% of people of people said they wanted to learn more about what they could do to reduce harm when they encountered harassment.

The course teaches participants how to be ‘active bystanders’ so that, if they see unacceptable behaviour on the transport network, they can lend support to the person being targeted and report it to police.

• If it’s safe to do so, be a friend to the person being targeted – ignore the perpetrator and join them. Ask if they are okay, tell them you are there to help and support, and tell them you will stay with them until they are safe.
• If that’s not possible or safe then simply making eye contact with the person targeted to show you care and they’re not alone, coupled with a discreet text to the British Transport Police on 61016 who patrol the network and can meet the train at the next stop.

Click here to read a case study of someone who went on the training and supported a female passenger on a train when drunk men began harassing her.

White Ribbon Day is a worldwide campaign to challenge sexist behaviour that can lead to violence and abuse against women and girls. Rail staff across the country are out and about, raising awareness by wearing white ribbons, speaking with passengers and handing out ‘find help’ cards, anti-drink spiking cup toppers and handbag hooks. Messages are also being displayed on the screen savers of ticket machines.

Rebecca Butler, appointed to a newly-created role as GTR Safeguarding Manager, said:

 “There is no place on our network for any form of abuse or harassment, and we want everyone to feel comfortable when they travel to work, see loved ones and explore the great destinations on our railway.

“Figures show that 70% of women in the UK say they have experienced sexual harassment in public. That’s why we’re not just boosting our own response to this societal challenge – we’re also helping passengers support others if it’s safe to do so.”

Andy Fearn, Co-Executive Director of Protection Approaches, said: 

“More and more commuters asking what they can do to help if they encounter harassment or hate targeting women and girls.

“Whether it’s an inappropriate comment in the workplace, harassment on the train, or a physical assault in the street, our Active Bystander training is proven to help people feel more confident and equipped to act safely and in ways that ensure the best outcomes for victims.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Govia Thameslink Railway on White Ribbon Day and to be providing this training for its staff and passengers. Together, this work will make our railways safer for women and girls.”

The British Transport Police are responsible for policing the network. Nationally, the British Transport Police Authority in its recent annual report recorded 5% more offences involving violence and intimidation against women and girls (from 11,466 in 2023/24 to 12,082, in 2024/25) and offences involving sexual harassment were up by 6% (from 1,832 to 1,950). This is likely to be, in part, due to efforts made to encourage more victims to report offences.

British Transport Police Detective Chief Inspector for Public Protection and Vulnerability Nia Mellor said: 

“Making the rail network a hostile place for sexual harassment and sexual offences is a key priority for the force and we relentlessly campaign to encourage both victims and witnesses to report to us so we can take action.

“Our campaigns, including Speak Up, Interrupt, encourage bystanders to step in to make the individual being targeted feel supported and hopefully deter the offender, and to report to us as soon as possible.

“Our officers work closely with the rail industry and staff to ensure that every passenger has a safe journey. Nothing is too small to report and sexual harassment is never your fault. Save the text number 61016 in your phone today.”

GTR has funded the active bystander courses with a £30,000 grant from its Your Station, Your Community initiative – a £480,000 fund dedicated to projects which benefit the communities it serves.

To sign up, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/gtr-network-active-bystander-training-4561903