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Women face a 'hidden curfew' as more than half now feel unsafe exercising alone outdoors after dark

A woman running alone at night. Sport England research finds 52 per cent of women now fear being followed when exercising outdoors after dark — more than three times the rate at which men abandon outdoor exercise once…
A woman running alone at night. Sport England research finds 52 per cent of women now fear being followed when exercising outdoors after dark — more than three times the rate at which men abandon outdoor exercise once…

Sport England's This Girl Can survey of 1,000 women found 69 per cent fear sexual harassment and intimidation after dark, up from 60 per cent in 2023. Some 52 per cent are afraid of being followed. The rate at which women abandon outdoor exercise entirely once night falls is more than three times that of men. The Let's Lift the Curfew campaign launches as the clocks go back.

Two-thirds say rising online misogyny has made them feel even less safe.

Kate Bentham of the Shropshire Shufflers says members change routes and avoid certain areas.

MoreBBC News - EnglandCampaign targets women's fears over night-time runningThe IndependentMore than half of UK women don't feel safe exercising alone after dark - The IndependentThe IndependentMajority of women fear sexual harassment when exercising alone at night, poll findsBBCFear of harassment rising for women exercising in the dark
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