The Abuse of Women Runners: University of Manchester Study (2023)
Investigating the prevalence, nature, and impact of abuse experienced by women runners in Greater Manchester and Merseyside (UK).
The study, which was conducted in 2023 and released in 2024, fills a critical gap in criminological research about the perceptions, fears, and experiences of women runners
SOUrce: UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINOLOGY, DR. CAROLINE MILES & PROFESSOR ROSEMARY BROAD
Utilizing police data, surveys, and audio diaries, the study reveals that a significant majority of women runners have experienced abuse, yet very few incidents are reported. The findings aim to inform preventive strategies and enhance police responses to such incidents.
What you should know:
The research highlights the under-reporting of abuse incidents and the need for systemic changes to address safety concerns, aiming to influence policy and policing practices to better protect women runners.
Key findings include:
Analysis of police data from Greater Manchester and Merseyside Police (2021–2022) identified 81 recorded offences involving abuse of women runners.
A survey of 498 women runners revealed that 68% had experienced some form of abuse while running, yet only 5% reported these incidents to the police.
Common types of abuse included verbal harassment (58%), being followed (19%), and indecent exposure (7%).
82% of respondents expressed concerns about their personal safety while running and adopted various measures to feel safer, such as altering running routes, carrying personal alarms, and informing others of their whereabouts.
Key takeaways / recommendations
Abuse of women in public spaces is endemic and enduring and must be central to the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) agenda.
Women runners should be recognized as a distinct group — often alone, in running attire, and active during quieter times and in less populated areas, they are frequent targets of violence and abuse.
Many women normalize harassment and do not report it — police need to create better conditions for disclosure.
Women need better access to outdoor spaces for exercise. The authors note: “Mapping the police reported incidents revealed that women runners experience abuse in green spaces, including parks and paths next to waterways – places that are attractive for running.”
Women runners engage in significant ‘safety work’. There is an urgent need to shift the onus away from women and toward addressing harmful behaviors.
Future research will explore male attitudes and prevention, and address the challenge of reaching underrepresented groups in both research and policy.
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