Men charged after alleged sex assault at train station as others go unreported
Public transport can be a particularly unsafe place for women and girls, with many alleged incidents of sexual assault and harassment likely to not be reported.
On a bright December day in Brisbane, 28-year-old Josie Bosker was waiting for a train when two men allegedly approached and sexually assaulted her. Despite her discomfort, no one else intervened to help her. The incident occurred during a Christmas party she had been looking forward to, turning it sour. Bosker faced the decision of whether to report the alleged assault, which was ultimately influenced by her husband's reaction.
Two men, a 23-year-old and a 40-year-old, have been charged with sexual assault. Experts warn that many incidents of sexual assault and harassment on public transport go unreported, citing factors such as crowded spaces providing plausible deniability for perpetrators and isolated spaces creating an environment of vulnerability.
Public transport authorities and police emphasize safety as their top priority but acknowledge the lack of comprehensive data on the issue.
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