The Stream

Stay safe by avoiding miniskirts?

New Beijing police guidelines for preventing sexual harassment in public transit draw criticism.

Beijing Metro Line 2 at Rush Hour
Photo by Flickr user pamhule (Creative Commons)

How can women avoid sexual harassment in the subway? By covering themselves with a newspaper, according to the Beijing Police. 

In newly-released guidelines for preventing sexual harassment, the city’s Public Security Bureau advises women not to wear miniskirts and to “shelter their bodies with bags, magazines and newspapers,” among other measures. 
 
Though the guidelines also mention harsher punishment for offenders, many criticised the suggestions given to women, calling it “victim-blaming”.
Published On 5 Jun 2013