Bill to tackle public sexual harassment must be strengthened and loopholes closed

In a joint statement, Kathleen Spencer-Chapman (Director of Communications, Advocacy and UK Programmes at Plan International UK) and Gemma Tutton (Co-founder, Our Streets Now) said:  

“Today, the Protection from Sex-Based Harassment in Public Bill passed its remaining House of Commons stages. It was encouraging to see all sides of the House – and the Government – continue to support this Bill. The addition of a new Government-supported clause, requiring the Secretary of State to issue guidance on public harassment and a ‘reasonableness’ defence, is a welcome step towards clearer reporting processes for both front-line staff and victims of this behaviour. This sends an important message: that Government increasingly recognises the toll of public sexual harassment on the wellbeing and safety of women and girls. Yet even with guidance, the Bill still places a burden on victims of public sexual harassment to prove that the perpetrator intended to cause distress or harm. At Committee stage, we saw members of all parties raise similar concerns that this bar is too high for victims.

“The legislation must also be strengthened by closing the loopholes that would leave victims of public sexual harassment unclear about what behaviour they can and can’t challenge through the criminal justice system. We await further information on what will be included in the guidance, but it is imperative that actions of public sexual harassment are specifically recognised in the law. 

“It remains the case that the Bill as it stands simply aggravates existing offences of harassment in public, rather than explicitly making public sexual harassment a crime.

“We are at a key juncture in finally having a law to protect and seek justice for women, girls and people of marginalised genders, but it is crucial we get this right. That is why we will be urging the House of Lords to ensure that public sexual harassment is directly addressed by the Bill as it progresses.”    

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About Plan International UK

Plan International UK is a global children’s charity. We work to give every child the same chance in life.  

In every child there’s a spark of imagination, curiosity and ambition. But not every child is born with the same opportunities.   

When you face poverty or violence the odds are stacked against you. When you’re a girl it’s even harder to be safe, in school and in charge of your body.   

All children deserve an education, health care and clean water. All children deserve the chance to thrive.   

We’re fighting so every child, especially every girl, knows their value. We’re fighting so the communities they’re growing up in – and the world around them – value them too.   

And if disaster strikes we’re there to protect children, keep them learning and help them recover.