Make Public Sexual Harassment a Criminal Offence in the UK

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

Following in the footsteps of France, Belgium, and Portugal, where cases of sexual harassment on the street fell after public sexual harassment was made illegal, and fines subsequently handed out, we call for the UK government to make laws specifically making public sexual harassment a crime.

In the UK, an astounding 97% of women aged 18-24 have faced sexual harassment in public spaces [UN Women UK]. By not taking these events seriously, we make it harder for victims of more serious sexual crimes to come forward, fearing that nothing will be done as a result, or that people will say they're "overreacting."

PSH makes women feel "powerless, objectified, hurt and angry". These laws help to keep women safe and would empower victims to come forward.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

You may wish to sign this petition calling for the same action: Make sexual harassment a specific criminal offence

Timeline

13 Mar 2021	Petition opened for signatures
22 Mar 2021	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21

Status Rejected

Rejected 22 Mar 2021

Follow this petition