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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations

What to do if…
someone gropes or touches you sexually in a crowded public place

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Move towards staff, security, a driver, or people you trust, and put distance between you and the person if you can do so safely. If the touching is continuing or you are in immediate danger, call 999 or ask someone nearby to call.

Do not do these things

  • Do not chase, follow, or confront the person if this could put you at further risk.
  • Do not force yourself to identify the person or explain every detail while you are still in the crowd.
  • Do not go somewhere isolated with a stranger who offers help; stay near staff or people you trust where possible.
  • Do not feel pressured to decide now whether to report what happened.
  • Do not blame yourself for freezing, staying quiet, or not reacting immediately.

What to do now

  1. Move away from the person and towards a staffed, well-lit, or more visible area, such as a counter, security point, driver, conductor, or venue entrance.
  2. Tell a staff member or nearby person what has happened. You can say, “Someone touched me sexually. Please stay with me and help me get somewhere safe.”
  3. Ask staff or someone you trust to create space around you, remain with you, or help you leave the crowded area safely.
  4. If the person is still touching you, threatening you, following you, or preventing you from leaving, call 999 or ask someone nearby to call.
  5. Contact someone you trust and ask them to meet you, stay on the phone, or travel with you from the place.
  6. If you are injured or feel unwell, ask staff to help you get medical care. Call 999 if it is a medical emergency.
  7. When you are somewhere private and safe, contact a specialist sexual violence support service if that would help. You can ask about immediate support and healthcare options before deciding whether to report to the police.
  8. If you are under 18, tell a trusted adult or contact Childline; call 999 if you are in immediate danger.
  9. If you may want to report later and it feels manageable, make a brief note of the time, place, and anything you remember, but do not follow or investigate the person.

What can wait

You do not need to decide now what label to use, whether to make a police report, whether to complain to the venue or transport operator, or who else to tell. Public posts, detailed accounts, legal questions, and longer-term decisions can wait until you are somewhere safer and have support.

Important reassurance

The unwanted touching was not your fault. Freezing, going quiet, doubting what happened, or leaving without speaking can happen under stress and does not mean that you agreed to the touching.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate safety and support only. Later decisions about medical care, reporting, complaints, or specialist support may require help from an appropriate professional or sexual violence support service.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, medical, therapeutic, or other professional advice. Service names and support routes vary across the UK, so use the appropriate service for the part of the UK where you are.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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