Student Details Disturbing Harassment Incident at Coventry Train Station
A University of Warwick student has courageously shared the terrifying details of her journey home after a night out in Birmingham, emphasizing why it is crucial to speak out about such experiences. Lily, a 20-year-old student residing near Warwick, described how the excitement from a Sabrina Carpenter concert on March 7 last year quickly turned to fear when she was harassed at Coventry Station.
The Night Out Turns Frightening
Lily and her friends had enjoyed a fantastic evening at the concert in Birmingham, but the mood shifted as they waited for their connecting train at Coventry Station around 11 p.m. The group was heading back to Leamington Spa when a man, estimated to be over 60 years old, approached them from another platform.
"He proceeded to walk over to her and her friends, and began asking them numerous personal questions," Lily recounted. The man inquired about their whereabouts and destinations, complimenting their appearance with remarks like, "Oh, you look nice." The women attempted to disengage, telling him they did not wish to talk, especially given the late hour.
Escalation and Seeking Safety
Feeling increasingly unsafe, Lily spotted another group of students on the platform and quickly moved to join them for protection. At this point, the situation intensified dramatically. "He basically started swearing at us, telling us we're f****** b******. Saying that we weren't nice to him, not acknowledging him. It's really sad," Lily shared, apologizing for the explicit language.
Relief washed over the group when their train arrived, and the man did not board. "Luckily our train came and he didn't get on it, thank God. We were shaken up," Lily said, reflecting on the close call.
Reflections on Safety and Systemic Issues
In the aftermath, Lily highlighted broader concerns about women's safety on public transport. "As women who get on transport a lot, we are aware of the dangers in these kind of situations, which is really sad," she noted. A key issue she identified was the absence of staff at the station during the incident. "I think one of our biggest issues was there was no staff around, which would have been very useful at the time. That's one of the main issues I find with a lot of train stations, especially at night, is the lack of present staff."
When asked what she would have done without other people present, Lily admitted she would have considered fleeing the platform, even if it meant missing her train. She also revealed she was unaware of the non-emergency transport safety number 61016, stating it was the first time she had heard of it. Additionally, she expressed reluctance to call 999, explaining, "This is really horrible to say, but as women [we're] maybe used to that horrible behavior."
Lily's experience has left a lasting impact, making her hyper-vigilant. "Whenever I go to a train station, even if it's midday, I'll always think 'who can I talk to if someone approached me? What could I do? Where could I go.' I get on public transport and I commute quite a lot. So it's really tough," she concluded.
Avanti West Coast's Response and Safety Measures
In response to the incident, Avanti West Coast emphasized their commitment to passenger safety. All Avanti-managed stations, including Coventry, are equipped with CCTV and staffed during operational hours, with customer safety being their top priority. The company works closely with the British Transport Police (BTP) and Safer Travel Officers to provide reassurance on trains and at stations.
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson stated: "The safety of our staff and customers is our top priority, and we work closely with the British Transport Police (BTP) and our Safer Travel Officers to provide reassurance onboard our trains and at stations. We would encourage anyone that witnesses or experiences anything that makes them feel uncomfortable to report it to a member of staff or contact the BTP by texting 61016 – and if in immediate danger call 999."
Avanti West Coast is accredited under the Secure Stations Scheme, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing crime and enhancing safety at railway stations through collaboration with the BTP and partners. Furthermore, the company holds White Ribbon accreditation, demonstrating its dedication to combating violence against women and girls.
