On this page:
- How to report or notify us of an incident
- Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency
- Text STOPIT to notify us of non-urgent incidents
- Formally report a crime when there is no immediate danger
- What you can report
- Types of unwanted sexual behaviour
- Types of anti-social behaviour
- Resources
- Support services
- STOPIT fact sheets in your language
- STOPIT case studies
Unwanted sexual behaviour and anti-social behaviour is any form of unwelcome behaviour that makes you or others feel:
- uncomfortable
- frightened
- or threatened.
These behaviours can be physical or verbal, subtle or direct, ongoing or a one-off.
How to report or notify us of an incident
How you report or notify us of unwanted sexual or anti-social behaviour on public transport depends on the situation.
Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency
For immediate police assistance, if you are in danger, or to report a crime in progress, always call Triple (000).
Text STOPIT to notify us of non-urgent incidents
If there is no immediate danger, or you don't want to make a formal report, you can inform Victoria Police by texting STOPIT to 0499 455 455 from your mobile phone.
STOPIT is a non-urgent, text-based notification service for the discreet reporting of unwanted sexual or anti-social behaviours on public transport.
NOTE: STOPIT is not monitored live. For immediate police assistance, call Triple Zero (000) and speak to an operator.
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Once you text STOPIT you will receive a link to an online form that allows you to:
- share details of the incident, such as the type of behaviour, or when or where it occurred
- upload an image or video (if you choose).
You can complete this form at the time of the incident or after it has occurred.
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- You will get a confirmation text
- Our dedicated STOPIT team will review your notification
- An assigned police officer may contact you to obtain further information.
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You can use STOPIT to report the following unwanted sexual and anti-social behaviour.
Unwanted sexual behaviour
You can report sexual or obscene behaviours that make you (or another person) feel:
- uncomfortable
- frightened
- or threatened.
These behaviours may or may not include physical contact.
Suspicious behaviour
You can report behaviour indicating that someone may be involved in a crime.
Bad language
You can report language that is obscene, racist or offensive.
Bad behaviour
You can report offensive, racist, threatening or harassing behaviour that you think may cause alarm or distress.
Drug and/or alcohol related incidents
You can report a person using, selling or affected by drugs or alcohol that poses a safety risk to themselves or those around them.
Damage
You can report graffiti and/or property damage.
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STOPIT notifications of unwanted sexual or anti-social behaviour on public transport helps Victoria Police keep our community safe.
Any behaviour that makes you or other passengers feel uncomfortable or unsafe is worth reporting.
Notifications made through STOPIT help us:
- better understand what is happening on the public transport network
- inform resource tasking to deter offenders
- help identify and catch offenders.
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You can help increase awareness by:
- saving the STOPIT number 0499 455 455 into your mobile phone contacts
- sharing your STOPIT contact with friends and family who use public transport.
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Your data and privacy will be protected at all times.
Only authorised parties can access STOPIT information. There are legislative requirements in place to keep it safe.
More information on what is collected, used and disclosed, is available on our Privacy page.
Formally report a crime when there is no immediate danger
If you wish to make a non-urgent formal crime report, you can:
- speak to police officers or protective service officers (PSOs) on the public transport service or at a station
- visit a police station to make a formal report
- contact Crime anonymously online, or call 1800 333 000.
What you can report
Below are examples of the types of behaviour you can report.
Types of unwanted sexual behaviour
Examples of unwanted sexual behaviours you can report include:
- catcalling, sexual comments or gestures
- intrusive questions or conversation of a sexual nature
- standing too close or invading personal space
- ‘upskirting’ or taking photos under another person's clothing
- pressing or rubbing against people
- non-consensual touching
- watching pornography in public
- flashing/exposure of intimate body parts
- sending or showing explicit material by phone
- stalking
- sexual assault.
Types of anti-social behaviour
Examples of anti-social behaviours you can report include:
- loud and nuisance behaviour
- verbal abuse
- threatening behaviour
- harassment and intimidation
- vandalism
- criminal damage to public or private property.
Resources
Support services and other information is available.
Support services
If you or someone you know is a victim of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport, support is available.
A detailed list of support services is available on our Support and resources for sexual offences and child abuse page.
STOPIT fact sheets in your language
If English is your second language, we have translated information available on how to notify us using STOPIT.
Find fact sheets in the following languages:
STOPIT case studies
Here are some examples of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport.
Kayla's story
Kayla shares her story of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport.
Kitch's story
Kitch shares her story of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport.
Reviewed 12 September 2023
