A recent study found that 1 in 10 female runners in the UK have been deliberately spat on while running, a disturbing form of street harassment that is largely underreported. Many women feel unsafe, with nearly half saying they would feel safer if legally allowed to carry pepper spray or similar defensive sprays. Some women are resorting to carrying deep heat spray as an alternative, even though using any self-defence sprays is illegal in the UK.
Alice Giddings, a journalist and victim of spitting attacks, shared how the harassment has forced her to change her running routine for safety. In addition to spitting, violent attacks such as “body-slamming” women have been reported in London, linked to a trend called the “Bumping Man” originating in Japan.
Experts and victims call for better education on respecting women and for society to take greater responsibility, rather than placing the burden on women to protect themselves. Police have made arrests related to these attacks and continue to patrol affected areas.
https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/exclusive/women-runners-self-defence-spitting/