A study commissioned by South Wales Police has revealed that a significant majority of female runners in the region have encountered street harassment or abuse during their exercise activities.
The survey, which gathered responses from over 160 women across the area, found that 68 percent of participants – equating to 117 individuals – reported experiencing unwanted attention while out running.
Some respondents indicated that the harassment has caused them to modify their behaviour, with women disclosing they had ceased running independently, altered their customary paths, or limited their physical activity to daytime hours.
The forms of harassment documented in the survey included verbal catcalling, inappropriate sexual comments, and instances where vehicles slowed down alongside runners.
A number of participants also disclosed experiences of physical or sexual assault.
Among the precautions taken by women surveyed were avoiding the use of headphones while running, informing friends and relatives of their whereabouts through location sharing, and selecting clothing perceived as less likely to attract unwanted attention.
In response to these findings, a new initiative called JogOn has been established.
The programme is a collaborative effort between South Wales Police and Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools, aiming to address harassment targeting female runners and promote greater reporting of such incidents.
Neighbourhood policing units intend to engage with participants at parkruns, athletics clubs, and other community sporting events to discuss personal safety and appropriate responses to witnessed harassment.
Superintendent Donna Llewellyn, who serves as the force’s lead for violence against women and girls, stated that street-based harassment would not be tolerated and that responsibility for change now rests with perpetrators rather than victims.
Commissioner Wools, whose office provided funding for the initiative, emphasised that all individuals deserve to feel secure in their daily activities and that behaviour such as intimidation, catcalling, and assault contradicts community values.
Multiple channels exist for reporting harassment: the South Wales Police website, the 101 telephone number, emergency services via 999 for urgent situations, and the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline at 0800 555 111.