Unwanted sexual behaviour and anti-social behaviour is any form of unwelcome behaviour that makes you or others feel:
- uncomfortable
- frightened
- or threatened.
These behaviours can be physical or verbal, subtle or direct, ongoing or a one-off.
How to report or notify us of an incident
How you report or notify us of unwanted sexual or anti-social behaviour on public transport depends on the situation.
Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency
For immediate police assistance, if you are in danger, or to report a crime in progress, always call Triple (000).
Text STOPIT to notify us of non-urgent incidents
If there is no immediate danger, or you don't want to make a formal report, you can inform Victoria Police by texting STOPIT to 0499 455 455 from your mobile phone.
STOPIT is a non-urgent, text-based notification service for the discreet reporting of unwanted sexual or anti-social behaviours on public transport.
NOTE: STOPIT is not monitored live. For immediate police assistance, call Triple Zero (000) and speak to an operator.
Formally report a crime when there is no immediate danger
If you wish to make a non-urgent formal crime report, you can:
- speak to police officers or protective service officers (PSOs) on the public transport service or at a station
- visit a police station to make a formal report
- contact Crime Stoppers anonymously online, or call 1800 333 000.
What you can report
Below are examples of the types of behaviour you can report.
Types of unwanted sexual behaviour
Examples of unwanted sexual behaviours you can report include:
- catcalling, sexual comments or gestures
- intrusive questions or conversation of a sexual nature
- standing too close or invading personal space
- ‘upskirting’ or taking photos under another person's clothing
- pressing or rubbing against people
- non-consensual touching
- watching pornography in public
- flashing/exposure of intimate body parts
- sending or showing explicit material by phone
- stalking
- sexual assault.
Types of anti-social behaviour
Examples of anti-social behaviours you can report include:
- loud and nuisance behaviour
- verbal abuse
- threatening behaviour
- harassment and intimidation
- vandalism
- criminal damage to public or private property.
Resources
Support services and other information is available.
Support services
If you or someone you know is a victim of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport, support is available.
A detailed list of support services is available on our Support and resources for sexual offences and child abuse page.
STOPIT fact sheets in your language
If English is your second language, we have translated information available on how to notify us using STOPIT.
Find fact sheets in the following languages:
STOPIT case studies
Here are some examples of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport.
Kayla's story
Kayla shares her story of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport.
Kitch's story
Kitch shares her story of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport.
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