Did they report it to stop it? A realist evaluation of the effect of an advertising campaign on victims' willingness to report unwanted sexual behaviour. Issue 2 (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Solymosi, Reka; Cella, Kerry; Newton, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Security journal. Volume 31:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 570
• Page End: 590
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Underreporting -- Transport crime -- Sexual harassment -- Public transport -- Unwanted sexual behaviour -- Crime reporting; Private security services -- Periodicals; 363.28905
• DOI: 10.1057/s41284-017-0117-y
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0955-1662

Abstract

Abstract Tackling unwanted sexual behaviour (USB) on public transport is a concern for transit authorities across the world. However, high rates of underreporting mean a lack of reliable information about USB, presenting a key barrier to prevention. This paper presents a realist evaluation of an initiative called 'Report It To Stop It' (RITSI) implemented in London, UK, to tackle underreporting. RITSI aimed to encourage victims to report details of USB incidents to police and transit authorities through media campaigns. Results show that the initiative did increase reporting of USB and that this increase was not due to a rise in the prevalence of USB. Crucially, there was no evidence of any increase in passengers' fear of crime during the campaign activity. However, the impacts of this campaign were more pronounced in earlier waves, and on certain modes of transport. These findings demonstrate the importance of the context in motivating reporting behaviour change.