Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Metro Is Trying To Do Something About Its Gross Sexual Harassment Problem
Riders are encouraged to report harassment they experience or witness (Photo by Juliet Bennett Rylah/LAist)
In an effort to curb the rampant sexual harassment riders report receiving while taking the bus and train in Los Angeles, Metro is launching a new campaign called "It's Off Limits."A recent survey of 22,604 Metro riders found that 1 in 5 Metro users have been victims of sexual harassment. This can include indecent exposure or unwanted comments or touching. However, only 99 of these riders reported the harassment, resulting in 20 arrests.
The "It's Off Limits" campaign will encourage anyone who is either subject to or who witnesses harassment to report it via an app or by calling a hotline, according to City News Service. There will also be signs on buses and trains, as well as information displayed on video monitors. Metro board members will officially launch the campaign tomorrow at an 11 a.m. press conference at Union Station, however, the ads are actually already up. I saw one and took a photo of it over the weekend.
The Sheriff's hotline number is 888-950-7233, and the app—available for iOS and Android—can be downloaded here.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
