Unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport will be easier to report through a new Victoria Police service.
The service, called STOPIT, allows people subjected to such behaviour or who witness it to discreetly text police using their mobile phone.
They then receive a link to provide information to a dedicated team of transit police about what's happened.
It's the first time a police force in Australia has deployed such technology.
A similar service has operated in the UK for several years and credited with empowering victims and bystanders to come forward.
Victoria Police has been developing STOPIT since 2019 to help combat sexual offending on public transport and give commuters greater confidence when they travel.
People using the service will be able to notify police about six types of behaviours comprising unwanted sexual behaviour, suspicious behaviour, threatening and offensive behaviour, obscene and racist language, drug and alcohol-related incidents and graffiti and property damage.
They are directed to a digital form and asked to submit details of the incident including the time, date, location and public transport carriage number.
A photo may also be submitted if it is safe to capture one.
Information from notifications will be used to help police identify and hold perpetrators to account.
It will also be used to help Victoria Police determine where to deploy members and tackle recidivist offending.
Anyone requiring an immediate police response in an emergency is still advised to phone Triple Zero (000).
STOPIT is not monitored live and should not be used if an urgent response is required.
Research completed for Victoria Police has shown people who are subjected to unwanted sexual behaviour or witness it often don't report it at the time out of safety concerns or because they don't know how to make a complaint.
There can also be confusion about whether unwelcome behaviour is a criminal offence, but Victoria Police stresses it wants to hear about any behaviour which makes a person feel uncomfortable, frightened or threatened.
Victoria Police has worked with the Department of Transport, public transport operators, the Public Transport Users Association and women's advocacy groups in the development of STOPIT.
To initiate the service, commuters can text 'STOPIT' to 0499 455 455.
Victoria Police encourages people to save the number to their mobile phone.
STOPIT is now available on trains and will be extended to trams and buses in late August.
The service is available in 13 languages.
For further information go to https://www.police.vic.gov.au/stopitExternal Link.
Quotes attributable to Transit & Public Safety Command Assistant Commissioner Dean McWhirter:
"This is a significant initiative for Victoria Police and I am incredibly proud of everyone who has dedicated years to this Australian-first service.
"It's a demonstration of our commitment to ensure unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport is called out for what it is - and that's completely unacceptable.
"STOPIT will give police a better understanding of exactly what's occurring and most importantly boost our ability to identify perpetrators and hold them to account."
Quotes attributable to Superintendent Alison Boyes:
"Most incidents of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport go unreported and we are determined to change that.
"We have a very high rate of identifying offenders for reported incidents so by telling us, we can do something about it.
"Years of research and dedication has gone into creating this service to ensure it's accessible to anyone, anytime.
"Any situation which makes someone feel unsafe or uncomfortable is not OK. We want to hear about people's experiences so we can help make the network a safe place for everyone."
