UK Model Calls for Women-Only Carriages After Train Attack: 'It's the Only Rational Thing to Keep Us Safe'

A young model who was sexually assaulted while travelling on the Elizabeth Line has called for women-only carriages on the London Underground. She said the measure could help protect female passengers amid a rise in reported sex offences on the capital's transport network.

Amber Dowling-Doyle, 24, expressed that the attack left her fearful of using public transport. This led her to support a growing petition urging Transport for London (TfL) and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to consider establishing women-only spaces on Tube services.

Support Grows for Female-Only Carriages

Dowling-Doyle has added her voice to a campaign launched by 21-year-old student Camille Brown, which calls for at least one women-only carriage on every Underground line. The petition has already gathered close to 15,000 signatures.

Campaigners argue that women-only carriages could offer reassurance to passengers who feel vulnerable, particularly during quieter periods or late-night journeys.

Dowling-Doyle said that, based on recent crime figures, the idea was a practical response to ongoing safety concerns. 'Looking at all the numbers and things like that, it seems like (women-only carriages are) the only rational thing to keep women safe', she pointed out.

What Happened During the Attack

In a report by the Daily Mail, the incident occurred in June 2025, as Dowling-Doyle travelled from Liverpool Street towards Essex after socialising with colleagues. While seated on the train, a man approached her and attempted to engage her in conversation while she was wearing earphones.

After she did not respond, the man became aggressive. 'He grabbed my arm and was saying I was being rude and stuff like that', Dowling-Doyle recounted. The man reportedly positioned himself directly in front of her to restrict her movement. 'That's when he put his hand on my leg and he sexually assaulted me', the model added.

Other passengers witnessed the incident and intervened. One woman challenged the man, while another passenger physically restrained him as the train arrived at Stratford station. British Transport Police were alerted and officers attended the scene.

Dowling-Doyle later said the intervention of fellow passengers was crucial, adding that she felt immense relief that others had seen what was happening and stepped in. 'I'm grateful to the strangers. It's something I've not forgotten about and I probably won't ever', she stated.

She also shared how she tried to get back on the train just three weeks after the assault, detailing how her body felt as if it were vibrating during the journey, despite not visibly shaking. She acknowledged a persistent anxiety lurking in her thoughts, fearing that something negative could occur.

Attacker's Arrest and Sentencing

The attacker was arrested at Stratford station by British Transport Police and later charged with sexual assault. He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and was sentenced at Thames Magistrates' Court in December 2025.

The court handed the offender a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered him to pay £900 in compensation to Dowling-Doyle. She has said the outcome provided a sense of closure after months of emotional distress.

Since the assault, she has undergone therapy and described ongoing anxiety when using public transport, particularly when travelling alone. 'That was a nightmare, it was absolutely horrible', Dowling-Doyle said.

London Transport Sees Spike in Assaults

The campaign for women-only carriages comes amid rising reports of sexual offences on the London Underground. Figures released by TfL in response to a Freedom of Information request show that 595 sexual offences were recorded across all Tube lines from 2024 to 2025.

This marks the highest total in five years and represents a sharp increase compared with previous reporting periods. While campaigners note that higher figures may partly reflect improved reporting, they argue the data highlights persistent safety challenges for women and girls on public transport.

British Transport Police has urged passengers to report all incidents, stressing that early reporting helps officers identify offenders and prevent further harm. A police spokesperson said: 'No woman or girl should ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable when travelling by rail.'