Why sexual crimes on public transport persist despite stricter enforcement

Aside from molestation and voyeurism, some victims recalled other forms of harassment that made them feel deeply uncomfortable.

For example, Ms Chen, who declined to give her full name, has had men stare at her and take photos of her without her consent while on public transport. 

“I feel angry because it happens too many times, almost daily,” said the woman in her 20s, who also declined to reveal her occupation. 

“When I stare back at them, they often look or walk away. But some are blatant and just continue to stare at me. When it comes to non-consensual photography, there’s nothing I can do but ask them if they have taken my photo … of course, they’ll say ‘no’.”

And for many victims, the impact of a sexual crime lingers long after the incident. 

Some said that years on, they still feel uncomfortable in crowded spaces, while others are extra vigilant when taking public transport. Several of those interviewed declined to be named, fearing public judgment.

ANONYMITY AND AMBIGUITY IN CROWDED SPACES

To explain why perpetrators commit such offences in the first place, and why they would choose public transport as the scene of the crime, experts pointed to both biological and environmental factors.

Associate Professor Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim, head of the Global Security and Strategy Programme at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), said that risk factors such as childhood sexual abuse, substance abuse, having a preoccupation with sex, and hypersexuality – having frequent and high sexual urges or sexual activity – may contribute to the commission of sexual crimes.