Catcalling can now be a crime in England and Wales. Since 1 April 2026, the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023 makes it a specific offence to intentionally cause someone harassment, alarm or distress in public because of their sex, for example with persistent sexual comments, gestures, following or blocking their way. The maximum sentence is two years in prison.
Updated 28 September 2026 · Sources: legislation.gov.uk, Home Office statutory guidance for the police, British Transport Police, Victim Support
If you feel in danger, call 999. Head for a busy, lit place such as a shop, bar or station and ask staff for help. On a train or at a station in Great Britain, text British Transport Police on 61016 (non-emergency).
The new law at a glance
Is catcalling a crime in the UK now?
In England and Wales, it can be. The law doesn’t use the word “catcalling”, but shouting sexual or obscene comments at someone because of their sex is covered if the person meant to cause harassment, alarm or distress and it did. Whether a particular comment crosses that line is for the police and courts to decide.
What does the new law actually say?
The Act adds section 4B to the Public Order Act 1986. It is committed when someone commits the existing offence of intentional harassment, alarm or distress (section 4A) and does it because of the other person’s sex or presumed sex. Other motives, including sexual gratification, don’t stop it applying.
How did the law get here?
18 September 2023: Act passed
24 March 2026: start date set
1 April 2026: offence in force
Now: you can report it
What behaviour could count?
The Home Office guidance for police lists examples. Every case still needs intent and actual harassment, alarm or distress, so treat this as a guide, not a verdict.
Red: named as an example in police guidance · Amber: depends on the facts or another law may fit better · Green: outside this offence.
Does it have to happen more than once?
No. A single incident can be enough. That is the main difference from stalking and harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, which need a course of conduct on two or more occasions. If the same person keeps targeting you, tell the police, because both laws may apply. Our guide on what to do if you think you’re being followed can help.
Does the law apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
No, the 2023 Act covers England and Wales only. In Scotland, threatening or abusive behaviour likely to cause fear or alarm is already an offence under section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010. Northern Ireland has its own laws. In both, you can report street harassment to the police on 101 or 999.
What should I do if it happens to me?
- Put your safety first. You don’t have to reply. Move towards people, lights and staff. On a night out, bar staff will help if you Ask for Angela.
- Call 999 if you are in danger or it is happening now. Otherwise report online to your police force or call 101 (free).
- On trains or at stations, text British Transport Police on 61016. More in our night buses and late trains guide.
- Note the details as soon as you can: time, place, what was said, what the person looked like, and any witnesses or CCTV nearby.
- Get support. Victim Support’s free Supportline, 08 08 16 89 111, is open 24/7 in England and Wales, whether or not you report.
Not sure which number to use? See 999 or 101: how to report a crime.
Myths vs facts
Frequently asked questions
The law doesn’t name wolf-whistling. In England and Wales it can fall under the new offence if it is done because of your sex, with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress, and it does. A one-off whistle may not meet that test; persistent or intimidating behaviour is more likely to.
Yes. Home Office guidance says the offence covers all public places, including streets, open spaces, public transport, taxis, private hire vehicles and public buildings.
Up to two years in prison, a fine or both if the case goes to the Crown Court. In a magistrates’ court, the sentence is capped at the magistrates’ general limit.
Getting away and calling for help is the safest option. The law allows only reasonable force in self-defence. Our guide to what you can legally carry for self-defence explains the rules.
Sources
- legislation.gov.uk: Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023, section 1
- legislation.gov.uk: Commencement Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/344)
- GOV.UK: statutory guidance for the police (1 April 2026)
- legislation.gov.uk: Public Order Act 1986, section 4A
- legislation.gov.uk: Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010, section 38
- British Transport Police: text 61016
- Victim Support: Supportline
General information, not legal advice. Whether an incident is an offence depends on the facts. In an emergency, always call 999.
Keep reading
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