Are women-only cars (WOC) a solution to groping? A survey among college students in Tokyo/Kanagawa, Japan

This paper examines the groping of women in public transport in Tokyo/Kanagawa as well as its impact on victims. This research analyses riders’ perception of countermeasures against this sexual offence, in particular, women-only cars (WOC). The study is based on a survey conducted in June 2018 among...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Shibata, Seiji (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2020
In: International journal of comparative and applied criminal justice
Year: 2020, Volume: 44, Issue: 4, Pages: 293-305
Online Access: Presumably Free Access
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Keywords:
Groping on trains
College students
Commuter lines
Safety perception
Sexual Harassment
Women-only train cars
Description
Summary:This paper examines the groping of women in public transport in Tokyo/Kanagawa as well as its impact on victims. This research analyses riders’ perception of countermeasures against this sexual offence, in particular, women-only cars (WOC). The study is based on a survey conducted in June 2018 among college students in Tokyo/Kanagawa, Japan. Findings suggest that approximately 25% of women have experienced groping in the past three years, most often on trains than on buses. Victimised women perceive groping more often as a problem than those who have not been affected. Women-only cars are considered to be a suitable solution but not as effective as surveillance cameras or increased police patrols. Implications of the results for research and policy are discussed.
ISSN:2157-6475
DOI:10.1080/01924036.2020.1719533