About
In today’s world, street harassment continues to affect countless individuals, undermining their sense of safety and autonomy in public spaces. Recognising this pressing challenge, a new Virtual Reality (VR) simulation has been developed, grounded in rigorous research and ethical considerations, to help individuals build resilience in navigating such encounters.
This VR simulation offers a carefully designed, immersive experience that reflects real-world scenarios of street harassment. By simulating these environments in a controlled, interactive setting, participants can explore responses to harassment in ways that promote emotional preparedness and self-efficacy. Importantly, the simulation has been crafted with sensitivity, ensuring it remains a constructive, rather than distressing, experience.
Key Features
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Interactive Realism: The simulation incorporates interactive elements, allowing users to actively engage by responding to virtual harassers. These features enhance the authenticity and psychological impact of the experience.
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Ethical Design Principles: Extensive research and consultation with experts have informed the simulation’s development, with a focus on minimising risks like retraumatisation and avoiding harmful narratives such as victim-blaming.
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Evidence-Based Impact: The simulation has been evaluated to foster a sense of competence and perceived usefulness, empowering individuals to face real-life scenarios with greater confidence.
Why It Matters
This simulation is more than a technological innovation— it’s a commitment to shared responsibility and safer futures. By equipping individuals with resilience-building tools, it creates opportunities for organisations to promote safety, awareness, and cultural change by making a meaningful step toward addressing the broader societal issue of street harassment.
Applications
Organisations committed to inclusivity, safety, and education—including advocacy groups, educational institutions, and public sector entities—can integrate this simulation into their training or community outreach efforts. It serves as a practical and impactful tool to drive awareness and foster dialogue about harassment.
Licensing Opportunities
Institutions and organisations can license the Street Harassment Preparedness Program for integration into their training curricula. To learn more about licensing options and how to incorporate this program into your institution’s training offerings, please reach out to our team.
Resources
The Street Harassment Preparedness Program is based on our following research:
