TfL funds free training sessions for the public to mark Bystander Awareness Day

To mark National Bystander Awareness Day (13 March), Transport for London (TfL) invites Londoners to participate in free online training sessions that empower customers to act if they witness any form of harassment on the public transport network.

As part of its commitment to eliminating hate crime and harassment on the network, and on the strength of the feedback from previous sessions, TfL is funding hundreds of active bystander training sessions with Protection Approaches, the national charity working to prevent all forms of identity-based violence.

The three-hour training sessions will take place online and are scheduled for March and April*. The sessions, delivered by expert staff from Protection Approaches, will examine different scenarios of hate crime and harassment, and encourage participants to discuss the meaning of being an ‘active bystander’ and supporting their fellow passengers on the network in a safe way. Londoners can sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/active-bystander-training-transport-for-london-3680839

A hate crime is defined as 'any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race or perceived race; religion or perceived religion; sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; disability or perceived disability and any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender.’

London's Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: "Everyone should be able to use public transport without fear of abuse and TfL has a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime.

“Londoners have told us that they want to be able to intervene safely if they witness a hate crime, and having the right knowledge can make all the difference. That is why I'm pleased TfL is funding free training sessions to empower customers to step in safely when they see harassment on the transport network. I encourage all Londoners to take part, and help us to build a safer, more inclusive London for everyone."

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of Security Policing Enforcement, said: “Everyone deserves to travel on our network without fear of abuse or harassment from others. We stand firmly against all forms of abuse and are eager to empower customers to speak up and support one another to prevent abuse or harassment on the network.

“I would encourage all Londoners to sign up and learn how to best support victims of hate crimes. These sessions will support the existing training as provided by TfL and we continue to work with policing partners to ensure a safe, accessible and equitable network for all.”

Co-executive Director of Protection Approaches, Andy Fearn, said: “Whether it’s an inappropriate comment in the workplace, harassment on the Tube, 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 again with TfL and to be providing this training for its passengers. Together, this work will make London that little bit safer.”

A previous attendee of a Protection Approaches training session, said: “I would absolutely recommend the training. It helped me feel more confident in standing up against harassment and prejudice. The tools and techniques discussed in the sessions have already proven to be useful and have proven to make a real difference.”

For National Bystander Awareness Day, TfL will display posters across London's transport network, which demonstrate its commitment to supporting anyone who experiences hostility on the network. Transport Safety Enforcement Officers, who patrol the network every day will speak at engagement stands located at Victoria and King’s Cross St. Pancras stations about what a hate crime is, how to be an active bystander and highlight the importance of reporting any hate crime to the police.

TfL remains committed to the Mayor’s vision of eliminating identity based hate crime from the city. To ensure that all customers feel safe on the network, TfL continues efforts to make the process of reporting hate-crimes easier.