D.C. Metro campaign aims to 'STOP' harassment

Washington, D.C.'s Metro announced the launch of a new public awareness campaign to stop harassment. The new ads will begin running in stations April 9, 2019, in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Stop Street Harassment Week.

The ads, developed in partnership with Stop Street Harassment and Collective Action for Safe Spaces (CASS), empower riders to report and intervene if they witness or experience an incident of harassment. The campaign features the message “You can help STOP harassment” with four simple strategies that spell out STOP – Sidetrack, Tell, Observe and Postpone.

“Harassment of any kind is unacceptable in the Metro system,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Ron Pavlik. “It’s important for riders to have the tools to know how to report harassment and how they can help if they see it happening.”

The latest campaign is part of an ongoing effort that began in 2012 to raise awareness and combat sexual harassment in the Metro system. In a report last year, Understanding Sexual Harassment on Public Transportation, Metro found that familiarity with the campaign increased the likelihood of reporting incidents of harassment.

"Everyone can help make our transit system a more welcoming place by taking action when they witness sexual harassment. We hope this new PSA campaign can empower riders to know what to say and do in those situations," said Holly Kearl, founder of Stop Street Harassment.

Metro has developed a variety of tools to provide a safe, convenient way to report incidents of harassment. Customers may text Metro Transit Police at MyMTPD or call 202-962-2121, tell a Metro employee or go to wmata.com/harassment.