Incidents of women being attacked at gyms and sports centres have increased by 40%, with 173 women harassed, assaulted, or stalked at fitness centers last year. Predatory men are targeting women at the gym, resulting in a surge in incidents, with London’s Met Police recording 92 offenses in 2023, Northamptonshire and Cleveland also reported incidents. The incidents took place at various popular fitness clubs, and some gyms, like PureGym, are open 24/7 without on-site staff. Only half of England’s police forces responded to requests for data, indicating that the actual number of incidents could be higher. Instances of harassment, assault, and stalking were reported across different gyms, reflecting a pervasive issue of women’s safety in these spaces.
One incident involved a Cambridge man who was jailed for 18 weeks for grabbing and kissing a woman at a gym, then approaching her in the car park. Gym-goer Milly Rose shared her experience of dealing with “creepy men” while working out, highlighting the frequent incidents of unwanted sexual advances and behavior she faces. The safety of women at gyms has become a major concern, with calls for action from organizations like The End Violence Against Women Coalition. Research by charity UN Women UK shows that 97% of women aged 18 to 24 have experienced sexual harassment. Ensuring women’s safety at gyms is crucial, and it’s important to take women’s reports seriously and address the issue effectively.
The incidents at gyms come amid a broader trend of increased reports of harassment towards female joggers and women in public spaces. The figures obtained through Freedom of Information laws shed light on the prevalence of harassment, assault, and stalking faced by women at fitness centers. The End Violence Against Women Coalition stresses the importance of women being able to occupy spaces without fear of harassment or assault. The response from authorities like the Met Police, Northamptonshire, and Cleveland is vital in addressing these incidents. Calls for better safety measures and awareness campaigns to protect women at gyms and sports centers are growing in importance.
Charities like The End Violence Against Women Coalition are advocating for women’s safety at gyms and working towards creating a safer environment for women in fitness centers. The surge in reported incidents reflects a broader issue of gender-based violence and harassment that women face in various public spaces. Police forces are being called upon to take these reports seriously and ensure the safety of women at gyms. The experiences shared by gym-goers like Milly Rose highlight the urgent need for action to address the predatory behavior of men targeting women at fitness centers. Women’s rights organizations and advocacy groups are emphasizing the importance of creating a culture of safety and respect for women in all public spaces.
Addressing the issue of women’s safety at gyms requires a multifaceted approach, including increased security measures, staff training to handle harassment incidents, and creating awareness among gym-goers to report any suspicious behavior. The incidents of women being attacked at fitness centers underscore the need for a comprehensive response from law enforcement, gym management, and society as a whole. Gym users, staff, and authorities must work together to create a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals, free from harassment and assault. Women’s safety should be a top priority, and efforts must be made to prevent and address instances of violence and harassment in gym settings. By taking concrete steps to address the root causes of this issue, we can ensure that women feel safe and respected when utilizing fitness facilities.
