The British Transport Police Authority has warned of an "epidemic" of violence against female passengers on the rail network, after internal figures obtained by The Times showed violent crimes targeting women and girls rose 59 percent between 2021 and 2024. Sexual offences increased a further 10 percent in the most recent 12-month period, prompting the watchdog to call for urgent action to safeguard travellers. The data has reignited criticism of policing standards on public transport and the government’s broader response to sexual violence. Commentators pointed to a recent case in Scotland in which a 14-year-old girl was charged with brandishing a knife she allegedly used to deter an assailant, arguing that victims are being criminalised while perpetrators escape justice. Advocacy groups are pressing the Home Office to produce a comprehensive strategy that includes more funding for British Transport Police patrols, upgraded CCTV and faster prosecutions. In a statement, the force said it is increasing uniformed patrols and working with train operators to improve security but declined to comment on the Scottish case, which remains before the courts.