A Dublin TD says we have a long way to go to eradicate toxic masculinity after he heard a group of young men chant "let's rape her" on a DART.
Alan Farrell says the incident happened on Wednesday night when a woman got off the Malahide bound train.
The Fine Gael deputy says it was an act of misogyny and downright sexual harassment;
"I witnessed an act of misogyny and downright sexual harassment that was driven by the culture of toxic masculinity that exists within our society."
— @AlanFarrell speaking out on a misogynistic attack he witnessed while on the DART last night. pic.twitter.com/7gcmtidFjg— Fine Gael (@FineGael) October 7, 2021
Spokesperson for the transport company, Barry Kenny, says they're confident those involved will be identified;
"An investigation is underway to assist the Gardaí in identifying those who were involved. Nobody onboard should have to hear that, especially women who are travelling with us, shouldn't have to hear disgusting and disgraceful language like that."
The call from Rail Users Ireland is that More security patrols are needed on DARTs and trains, with staff actively walking platforms and through carriages.
Irish Rail says up to twenty security teams are on patrol at all times.
But Mark Gleeson from Rail Users Ireland say that's not enough;
"Transport police would be helpful it's something we've campaigned for for many years, the Gardaí just don't have the dedicated resources to attend public transport promptly.
"Irish Rail has increased its security presence, but out of 140 stations nationwide, they have twenty security patrols. It just isn't going to work."
Irish Rail's encouraging train users to report anti social behaviour.
Barry Kenny says passengers can report incidents as they happen;
"People need to text the word 'TRAIN' followed by the details of what's happening to 51444 that will go live to our central security control centre."
