SOUTH Essex train operator c2c Railway has reaffirmed its commitment to operating a safe railway, hosting an interactive event with customers and stakeholders at Southend Central station in support of Rail Delivery Group's (RDG) national anti-sexual harassment campaign. 

The Zero-Tolerance campaign, also run in collaboration with British Transport Police, showcases a revolutionary virtual reality (VR) film putting viewers in the position of someone experiencing or witnessing sexual harassment on the railway, helping to raise awareness of the impact of unwanted and predatory behaviour.  

The event was held at Southend Central station on Thursday, 23 October, with customers and colleagues invited to wear a VR headset and view one of three possible scenarios of sexual harassment. The film empowers people to consider how they could intervene safely and report perpetrators, while the scenarios have been designed to be experienced from the perspective of both victim and bystander.  

The event was attended by British Transport Police, c2c colleagues and customers, Cllr Daniel Cowan Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Southend United Football Club players Jack Bridge, George Wind and Oliver Coker and young people from The Kings Trust.  

Research by RDG revealed that 1 in 3 of people who recognised the Zero-Tolerance campaign and later experienced unwanted sexual behaviour said it influenced them to report the incident, with 60% of passengers confirming they now feel more empowered to intervene if they see someone experiencing unwanted sexual behaviour.  

Ab statement from c2c said: "At c2c, our teams are dedicated to preventing harm coming to women and girls and we are committed to supporting prosecutions against perpetrators.  

"c2c is White Ribbon-accredited and was recently the first train operator to confirm membership of the anti-spiking charity, Stamp Out Spiking.  

We use every enforcement tool available to safeguard women and girls, including working closely with British Transport Police on regular, proactive operations to prevent people offending on our network." 

Kamaldeep Wallis, c2c Safeguarding and Security Manager, said: "Creating a culture free from sexual harassment isn't just policy, it's everyone's responsibility, every day, in every conversation.

Partnerships are key to this and at c2c we are determined to do everything we can to work with those who are part of our railway community, for the safety of every woman and girl." 

Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO at Rail Delivery Group said:  "As an industry we are actively tackling all forms of sexual harassment and are committed to making our passengers feel safe on trains and at stations.  

"By showcasing our immersive VR experience at stations nationwide, we're equipping individuals with the tools to intervene in situations safely, as a bystander, without putting themselves in harm's way. 

"Whether witnessing or experiencing anything that makes you uncomfortable, we urge everyone to report incidents promptly to the British Transport Police via text at 61016. 

"Everyone travelling on Britain's railways has the right to feel safe, and confident to call out these behaviours without fear."