A Cambridgeshire bus driver intervened to keep ‘predators’ away from a young girl after the bus operator joined an anti-abuse scheme. Stagecoach East said its buses have become “places of refuge” for people afraid of abusive behaviour after joining a Businesses Against Abuse scheme last October.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Police Authority and the Cambridge and Peterborough Rape Crisis Centre are also part of the scheme. As part of the scheme Stagecoach drivers are being trained to recognise people who are vulnerable, both on and off buses, as well receiving guidance on how to help.
Drivers are able to pull over and ask women or girls, who may be in fear of abuse on the street, if they need help. They can also take people to safe places on their route if necessary.
Darren Roe, managing director of the bus operator, said one driver had directly intervened to keep ‘predators’ away from a young girl. One of the group was arrested after the incident.
“Even after only the first few months, we have already had numerous incidents where drivers have intervened to stop abuse against women, and their actions have absolutely kept them safe on our vehicles,” he said. “The message remains the same as it was at launch: your local bus is a place of safety.
“I would encourage anyone who is in fear or abuse, either on the bus or if they see a bus, to make themselves known to the driver, who will try to help them.” All buses have multiple cameras so cases of abuse will be recorded and reported.
To get more breaking news and top stories delivered directly to your phone, join our new WhatsApp community. Click this link to receive your daily dose of CambridgeshireLive content.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.