A situation where a woman - especially a representative of a different culture, for example, Japanese - harassment in the subway, unfortunately, is not uncommon in big cities. This is not just an unpleasant incident, but violation of personal boundaries and potential crimewhich requires a clear response. In Japan, such cases are considered extremely strictly, but in other countries (for example, in Russia or Europe) the action algorithms may differ. This article will help you figure out how legally competent and safe behave in such a situation - whether you yourself have become a victim of harassment or want to support the victim.
It is important to understand that cultural characteristics play a key role. Japanese women are often raised to be polite and reserved (va), which may make it difficult for them to fight back or get the attention of others. However, in a foreign country the rules of the game change: here active protection of one's rights not only acceptable, but also necessary. We'll figure out what laws protect against harassment on the subway, how to record evidence, where to go for help and how to minimize risks in the future.
According to statistics Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, up to 40% of Japanese tourists encounter unpleasant incidents on public transport abroad. At the same time, only 1 out of 10 contacts the police due to ignorance of procedures or fear of condemnation. This article is provided to close this gap.
1. Harassment in the subway: what is considered a violation of the law
In Russia, harassment in public transport is regulated by several articles Code of Administrative Offenses and the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. It is important to understand that even obscene gestures, touching or stalking may be classified as an offence. Main regulations:
- 📜 Article 6.1.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation — “Insult” (fine up to 50,000 ₽). Applies if the harassment was accompanied by derogatory statements.
- 👮 Article 133 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation — “Forcing to perform actions of a sexual nature” (up to 2 years of imprisonment). Relevant if there have been threats or blackmail.
- 🚇 Article 20.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation — “Petty hooliganism” (fine or arrest for up to 15 days). Used for indecent behavior in transport.
- 📱 Article 137 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation — “Violation of privacy” (if the harassment was recorded on video without consent).
In Japan, similar actions are classified as Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act (), where the punishment can reach 5 years in prison for touching without consent. However, in a foreign country, a Japanese woman will have to rely on local legislation.
Key Point: any unwanted touching or harassment is already grounds for contacting the police. There is no need to wait for physical violence—a feeling of threat or discomfort is enough.
2. Algorithm of actions: what to do right now
If an incident has just occurred, take action clear planto protect yourself and record evidence:
- Say "No" or "Leave me alone" loudly (in Russian or English). This will attract attention and show that you disagree.
- Change to another carriage or get off at the nearest station. Don’t be shy to ask for help from the metro employees (their uniforms have a sewn-on sign
M). - Take a photo or video violator (if it is safe to do so). This will be strong evidence in court.
- Write down the signs: height, clothes, tattoos, accent. This will help the police find the person faster.
If the harassment continues, feel free to shout — in Japan this is considered unacceptable, but in Russia or Europe a loud protest can save the situation. The main thing is do not be alone with the offender.
Take a photo of the offender (if safe)|Write down the time, station and car number|Contact a metro employee|Call a trusted person|Save your tickets (they will confirm your presence)-->
⚠️ Attention: If harassment occurs at night, do not get off at an empty station. Wait for the next train or ask the subway staff to escort you to the exit.
3. Where to go for help: police, metro, embassy
Depending on the severity of the incident, you have several options:
| Where to go | When it's appropriate | What to say/show |
|---|---|---|
| Subway employees | For minor harassment (staring, obscene gestures) | “I’m being harassed in the carriage. Please call the police or help me move to another carriage.” |
| Police (102) | When touched, followed or threatened | "I was sexually harassed on the subway. Here is a video/photo of the offender" |
| Embassy of Japan | If you are a tourist and do not know Russian | "I was harassed in the metro. I need a translator and legal help" (in English) |
| Hotline of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (112) | If the police do not respond or you are in danger | Provide the station address, description of the intruder and your coordinates |
In Moscow and St. Petersburg the metro operates special rapid response teams (they can be identified by their stripes Transport police). They must arrive at the station within 10-15 minutes.
If you are Japanese and don't speak Russian, use application Google Translate with the offline translation function or contact a metro employee with the words: "Help me, please"—most people understand basic English.
In Moscow there is a “Safe Metro” program: at each station there are emergency call buttons (red). Press it if you feel threatened - the duty officer will contact the police.
4. How to collect evidence for the police
Without evidence, it will be difficult to initiate a case against the harasser. Here's what you can use:
- 📸 Photo/video from your phone (even if the quality is bad, it's better than nothing). The main thing is to capture the face of the offender.
- 🎤 Audio recording (in Russia it is allowed without consent if you are a participant in the conversation).
- 📄 Witness testimony (write down the contact details of those who saw the incident).
- 🚇 Tickets or checks from the metro (they will confirm your presence at the station at the specified time).
- 📱 Screenshots of correspondence (if the harassment continued on social networks after the incident).
If you have a recording, don't edit it - this can be regarded as falsification. Hand over the original files to the police.
In Japan there is a special application for such cases SOS 110, which automatically sends your location to the police. There are no similar services in Russia, but you can use Yandex.Maps in Tracking mode.
⚠️ Attention: If the harassment occurred in a car with surveillance cameras, ask the metro employees to provide the recording. They are required by law to keep it for a period of time. 30 days.
5. Cultural characteristics: why Japanese women are often silent
In Japanese society conflicts are considered highly undesirable, and open confrontation is a sign of poor upbringing. This is reflected in behavior:
- 🤫 Constriction: Women avoid attracting attention so as not to “create problems for others.”
- 🙇 Politeness: Even when harassed, a Japanese woman may smile or apologize so as not to appear rude.
- 🏠 Fear of judgment: In Japan, victims of harassment are sometimes accused of provocation (especially if the woman was alone at night).
However, these rules do not apply in a foreign country. In Russia or Europe, active protection of one’s rights is the norm, and no one will judge you for calling the police or loudly saying “no.”
If you are Japanese and feel embarrassed to act on your own, ask for help from Russian speaking friend or contact Japanese diaspora (in Moscow it is Japanese Cultural Center on Malaya Ordynka street).
What is"chikan densha"?
This is a phenomenon in Japan where men deliberately travel on crowded trains to harass women. There are even "women's carriages" in Tokyo (), where men are prohibited from entering during peak hours.
6. How to minimize risks in the future
Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of harassment, but it is possible minimize it:
- ⏰ Avoid traveling to rush hours (7:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00) when the carriages are crowded.
- 🚇 Try to travel to first or last car — there are usually fewer people there.
- 📱 Keep your phone ready with the app open Emergency call 112.
- 👗 Dress neutrally (this is not an excuse for harassment, but it can reduce attention).
- 🗣️ If you are traveling alone, call a friend and speak loudly - this will scare away potential violators.
In Japan, they use it to protect women on the subway. special bracelets with a panic button. There are no such devices in Russia, but you can buy them pepper spray (permitted to wear) or personal alarm (sold in security system stores).
If you often take the subway, check out timetable for "women's carriages" (there are none in Moscow, but in St. Petersburg they sometimes provide carriages for women with children).
The safest place in a subway car is next to the driver's cabin or at the doors, where there are more people.
7. Legal assistance: where to turn after an incident
If you decide to bring the harasser to justice, you will need legal support. Depending on the situation, you can contact:
- 🏛️ Criminal lawyer (if there was physical violence). The first consultation is often free.
- 🌍 Embassy of Japan (if you are a tourist and don’t know local laws). They will provide a translator.
- 📞 Hotline "Sisters" (8-800-700-06-00) - free psychological and legal assistance to women.
- 💼 Trade union or HR (if the incident occurred on the way to work). Some companies have employee assistance programs.
In Russia, the statute of limitations for harassment cases is 2 years. This means that you may not apply immediately, but it is better to do so as soon as possible while there is evidence.
If harassment occurred from a metro employee (for example, a security guard or driver), write a complaint to Moscow metro via the official website: mosmetro.ru.
⚠️ Attention: If the police refuse to accept a statement, ask for a written refusal stating the reason. This can be appealed to the prosecutor's office.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about harassment on the subway
Is it possible to hit the harasser back?
In Russia there is a right to necessary self-defense (Article 37 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). If you are in real danger (for example, attempted rape), you can use force. However disproportionate response (for example, stabbing someone with a knife) can be considered a crime. It is better to call for help or use pepper spray.
What to do if the harassment occurred in a carriage without cameras?
The absence of cameras does not mean that a case will not be filed. Yours testimony + witness testimony + circumstantial evidence (tickets, phone entry) may be sufficient. The court also takes into account psychological examination, confirming your stress.
Can a Japanese woman be deported if she calls the police?
No, call the police is not grounds for deportation. On the contrary, if you are a tourist and become a victim of a crime, your visa may be extended to attend the trial. The Japanese Embassy will provide support in this matter.
How to behave if a drunk person is harassing you?
A drunken trespasser is double risk: He can be aggressive and unpredictable. In this case:
- Don't engage in dialogue.
- Change to another carriage or get off at the station.
- Call the police immediately (102) - the drunk will be detained under Art. 20.21 Code of Administrative Offenses (appearing in a public place while intoxicated).
What to do if the harassment was from a police officer?
This is a particularly dangerous situation. Immediately:
- Write down his name and badge number (if visible).
- Contact Department of Internal Security of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (phone: +7 (495) 667-07-67).
- Write a complaint to prosecutor's office or to the website Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.
In this case, it is better to act through a lawyer.