Cat Called, Chased, Threatened: Study Lifts Lid on Runner Harassment
More than half of runners say they have experienced abuse when running
A University of Worcester study has identified incidents of runners being shouted at from cars, chased by dogs, and even having items thrown at them when they are out.
The new research asked people who run regularly in the county for their experiences of harassment and abuse while exercising in public.
More than 50% of runners say they have experienced some kind of abuse whilst out on a run, unsurprisingly, many of these runners were women. Mostly, the abuse directed at women took the form of men shouting obscene and sexualised remarks or comments from vehicles. The shouted abuse was often about the victims’ appearance. One woman said:
“If I’m honest, there are countless minor incidents that I simply can’t remember – cat calling, whistling, name calling, picking out various body parts and making comments about them. It’s relentless, and always by men of varying ages.”
Dr Claire McLoone Richards, who is leading the research said:
“There is a tendency for many victims to minimise their traumatic experiences or to normalise it as part of their experience.”
It's not only women who are experiencing harassment and abuse when out and about, a male runner in the survey added: “Please don’t assume it’s just female runners that suffer abuse and need protecting.”
The research, which is being undertaken with colleagues from West Mercia Police, Worcestershire County Council, and other academic staff from both Worcester and Birmingham City universities, has highlighted that most of the victims didn’t report what happened to them to the police and they often wondered if what had happened was really a crime or if it was necessary to report it.
Dr McLoone Richards said: “We know from campaigns and studies elsewhere in the UK that these experiences are not unique to Worcestershire."
"One of the resounding messages we want to see coming from this research is that these experiences are not minimised or downplayed.”
Now, the study will enter its second phase, with a second public survey being launched on 9th to 29th June to record the experiences of runners in the lighter summer months.
Researchers are also looking for 12 people who run in the region to share their experiences of harassment or abuse in confidential interviews to help build a picture of what could improve the situation.
The research also asked participants what changes, if any, they made after being targeted by abuse.
Particularly for women, responses included running in groups rather than alone, not running early in the morning or late in the evening and sticking to built up areas away from streets with poor lighting.
Now, the study will enter its second phase, with a second public survey being launched on 9th to 29th June to record the experiences of runners in the lighter summer months.
Researchers are also looking for 12 people who run in the region to share their experiences of harassment or abuse in confidential interviews to help build a picture of what could improve the situation.
If you’d like to share your experiences anonymously you can complete the survey by following this link.