Sexual harassment – including catcalling and wolf-whistles – has been added to a list of prohibited behaviours in Barking and Dagenham as part of their Public Space Protection Orders. The behaviour can now see offenders given a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice or a fine of up to £1,000.
Councillor for the East London area Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said of the plans, 'Public Space Protection Orders play a huge role in reducing antisocial behaviour in our hotspot areas. And as part of the renewal, we know how important it was to include sexual harassment to help improve women's safety. I'd like to thank all the residents who took part in the consultation and supporting the renewal of the scheme and I hope you continue to see a difference.’
The decision was made after the council found that 15% of women had been targeted with verbal abuse, whilst more than one in ten reported that they had been followed or had their space invaded by men.
‘I cannot wait to see someone slammed with a £1000 fine for catcalling as a girl walks past,' one Grazia reader tells us. 'Yes, it sounds extreme at first, but this is what needs to happen to get the message through to men that demeaning and in some cases frightening women isn't just a “joke with the lads”. It has repercussions, affects people and should be taken seriously.'
Another reader says, ‘The response I’ve seen from people online that are claiming this is an overreaction says everything about how normalised catcalling is in our society. It is not normal to see someone walking and immediately shout sexual obscenities at them.’
Despite this positive move however, it’s clear that we still have a long way to go when it comes to protecting women.
‘I worry that the onus will still fall on women who are trying to go about their lives to report these crimes,' says Grazia reader Emma. 'Is this another situation where everyday harassment requires a witness to be believed? The policy gives me hope, but it will also require a great deal of solidarity to be effective.'
The idea of fining for catcalling has been in the ether - at least in London - for a while now. In December 2022 a man became the first person to be fined by a local authority in London for catcalling a woman in the street. After uncover Redbridge council officers witnessed him sexually harassing a woman in Ilford, the individual was detained by local police and fined £100.
If the addition of sexual harassment to their Public Space Protection Orders proves to be a success in Barking and Dagenham, maybe the scheme will be expanded into other boroughs in London and eventually the UK. But is it enough?
Daisy Hall is a News and Entertainment writer on Grazia