Barking and Dagenham Council Responds to Rising Sexual Harassment Complaints by Enforcing £1,000 Fines for Cat-Calls and Related Offenses

Barking and Dagenham, East London, is introducing a new initiative to protect women and girls from sexual harassment in public spaces.

Under updated Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), individuals caught cat-calling or wolf-whistling could face fines of up to £1,000.

Addressing the Issue of Sexual Harassment

A recent consultation with local residents highlighted troubling statistics about harassment in the area.

Around 15% of women reported verbal abuse, with over 10% saying they had been followed or had their personal space invaded.

Additionally, 10% of women experienced cat-calling.

To tackle these concerns, the council has added sexual harassment to the list of prohibited behaviors under the PSPOs.

Fines and Penalties for Offenders

Offenders caught engaging in sexual harassment could receive a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice, or face a fine of up to £1,000.

The PSPO also covers other disruptive behaviors, such as the use of loudspeakers in public spaces, drinking alcohol in public, urinating in the street, spitting, begging, or causing harassment, alarm, or distress, all of which could lead to fines.

Community Backing for the Initiative

Councillor Syed Ghani, responsible for Enforcement and Community Safety, emphasized the role PSPOs play in reducing antisocial behavior.

He thanked residents for their participation in the consultation and expressed hope that the renewed focus on sexual harassment would improve safety for women in the area.

Strengthening Community Crime-Fighting Efforts

Superintendent David Rhodes from Barking and Dagenham noted that the updated PSPOs give law enforcement an additional tool to tackle antisocial behavior, including sexual harassment.

He underscored the importance of working together with the community to reduce crime, rebuild trust, and create safer neighborhoods for everyone.