The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), as part of a coalition of organizations, launched a new information campaign to enhance passenger safety and encourage the public to report incidents of sexual harassment. The campaign’s message is that sexual harrassment will not be tolerated on the T or anywhere else.
“The MBTA is proud to continue its groundbreaking campaign to address sexual harassment and to let the community of riders know that the MBTA cares that each rider has a safe ride,” said MBTA General Manager Brian Shortsleeve.
“One person victimized is one too many, and we are keenly aware that sexual harassment is an under-reported crime,” said MBTA Transit Police (TPD) Chief Kenneth Green. “We implore our riders to contact us if they see or experience any type of sexual harassment or assault. Be assured we take these reports with the utmost seriousness, and you will be treated with dignity and respect throughout the reporting and investigatory process. You are not alone—BARCC (Boston Area Rape Crisis Center) and the TPD stand with you."
The MBTA says its campaign with partners will also look at people with disabilities. “Findings show that people with disabilities experience sexual assault twice as often as those without disabilities. We have also been learning how people with disabilities can be active participants in preventing sexual violence against others,” said BCIL (Boston Center for Independent Living) senior advocacy specialist Karen Schneiderman.
As in past campaigns, advertisements will be posted on trains and buses, and postcards will be handed out to riders at stations.