A petition has started online calling for women on low incomes to be offered free transport after dark.
The Change.org petition is asking Transport for London to provide free transport to every woman on a low income within the capital, when travelling at night.
The petition follows alarming statistics that 97 per cent of young women in the UK have been victim to sexual harassment. Meanwhile, further figures from 2018 indicate those on low incomes are 295 per cent more likely to worry about being attacked and 241 per cent more likely to worry about being raped.
Advert
According to a document by TfL, a broad definition of a 'low household income' applies to annual earnings less than 60 per cent of the median UK household income. For Londoners, this is approximately £21,000.
Some 41 per cent of those living in the city can be classed as having a low annual household income of below £20,000, 56 per cent are whom are women.
Figures collated in 2018 suggest that compared to households on incomes above £50,000, those on incomes below £10,000 are considerably more likely to be attacked by someone they know and far more likely to be attacked by a stranger; twice as likely to suffer violence with injury; twice as likely to be burgled; three times as likely to be robbed and mugged; three times as likely to suffer rape or attempted rape and six times as likely to be a victim of domestic violence.
Advert
The petition explains: "With a recent UN study confirming 97 per cent of young women in the UK have been victims of sexual harassment and in the wake of the tragic murder of Sarah Everard, TfL can play a part in significantly reducing the risk of street attacks for women.
"Please sign this petition to show TfL that you want to see free transport introduced for women on low incomes after dark to reduce the need for walking alone at night.
"There is an increased risk with those having to make essential journeys on regular routes after late shifts. Free transport for those who can't otherwise afford it will lessen the time they need to spend on the streets at night and therefore the risk of attack.
"Another benefit in the unfortunate event of an attack is that CCTV on the bus or at underground and rail stations will give the police essential evidence meaning the perpetrator would be caught sooner, stopping them from attacking again.
Advert
"Thank you in advance for playing a part in protecting London's women."
You can view and sign the petition here.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock