Latest Interviews

OC Transpo data depict assaults, harassment on transit property : Women’s group says analysis of numbers validates ongoing concerns over safety

Media Date: 26/01/2014
Type of Media: newspaper
Name of Media: The Ottawa Citizen

Interviewer: Derek Spalding

Interviewee: Julie S. Lalonde Role: Director of Hollaback! Ottawa

Article Information

Background Due to Hollaback! Ottawa's pressure, the issue of safety for womyn on public transit has been a common theme in the media.
Reason The Ottawa Citizen accessed statistical information about safety on transit.
Comment As a group that has been calling for an examination of safety on transit for womyn, it IS validating to see proof of what we've been talking about.

However, it's also depressing to see how that information has been readily available to OC Transpo staff for quite some time and yet, they haven't acted on it. Furthermore, it's depressing to see that they KNOW that assaults often happen during the day and yet, continue to promote archaic safety tips about how transit is only dangerous in the evening.
Outcome This story certainly rattled the cages at City Hall and within OC Transpo. Let's hope they choose to act accordingly.
Link to Article http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa/Transpo+data+depict+assaults+harassment+transit+property/9432136/story.html

 

Keywords: Hollaback! Ottawa, sexual violence, Ottawa, OC Transpo