In observance of National Hate Crime Awareness Week in the UK, Transport for London (TfL) has launched an impactful campaign titled “Act Like a Friend.” The initiative aims to combat hate-motivated behavior and harassment on public transport.
The campaign calls on passengers who witness a fellow commuter being targeted with hateful conduct to step forward instead of looking away or remaining silent.
The core tactic being promoted is for a bystander to approach the person being victimized, act as if they are their friend, and simply start a normal conversation with them. This action serves to de-escalate the situation and show support to the victim by ignoring the aggressor.
To spread this message, TfL is releasing specially produced videos that depict real-life incidents. Furthermore, in partnership with the charity Protection Approaches, TfL will also be organizing free training classes to teach people how to intervene safely in such situations.
Critically, TfL has clearly advised that passengers should only intervene if they feel it is safe for them to do so.
Supporting the campaign, London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, stated, “Nobody in London should be subjected to a hate crime or harassment, or feel worried because of who they are.” She added that this campaign will provide the confidence to tackle intolerance and safely challenge hateful narratives.
