Metro launches new campaign to stop sexual harassment on public transportation

ARLINGTON, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - It's a problem that affects millions of people at work, on the street, even on the Metro. That's why the agency is launching a new campaign to stop sexual harassment on Tuesday.

"It has affected more women than are willing to speak out about it so I think it's a great initiative," said Angelica Collins.

The campaign features a really simple message: "You can help stop harassment."

In this case, "stop" stands for Sidetrack, Tell, Observe and Postpone -- four strategies Metro says can be used to stop harassment when you see it.

Now, here's why this is so important. Metro studied this issue last year.

They found that about one in five people in this area experiences sexual harassment on public transportation and they also found that people who were aware of Metro's previous efforts to combat sexual harassment were far more likely to report it than those who weren't.

"On the Metro, I definitely get like uncomfortable looks and things like that. It's just like, dude don't," said Brianna Shamsuddoha.

On Tuesday during the evening rush, Metro Transit Police and volunteers will be out at some stops informing the public about the campaign.