Home / Crime and Justice / Nearly 70% of Female Runners Harassed in Shropshire
Nearly 70% of Female Runners Harassed in Shropshire
19 Jun
Summary
- Nearly 70% of female runners report harassment experiences.
- West Mercia Police launched the 'Jog On' project to address harassment.
- Harassment includes verbal abuse, physical intimidation, and assault.
In Shropshire, a concerning number of women runners are reporting harassment incidents. A recent survey indicates that nearly 70% of female runners have encountered unwanted attention, ranging from verbal abuse and intimidation to physical assault. This situation prompted West Mercia Police to launch the 'Jog On' project earlier this year.
The project seeks to understand the full scope of harassment faced by runners, which can include wolf-whistling, sexualized comments about their bodies, and even physical aggression such as tripping or having objects thrown at them. Detective Inspector Liz Warner highlighted that many women adapt their behavior to avoid such encounters, often not reporting them to the police.
As part of the 'Jog On' initiative, police are actively gathering detailed accounts from women. They are asking about the locations where harassment occurs and the safety measures runners take. This information will enable police to develop more targeted patrols and proactive strategies to make exercising safer for women in the county.
