Violence Against Woman and Girls Update - Male arrested in Ashford for new S.4B Public Order Act offence (Sex Based Harassment offence)

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Violence against women and girls (VAWG), which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

On 20th July 2026, A 31 year old male was arrested on Elwick Road, Ashford for S.4B of the Public Order Act 1986 following inappropriate behaviour towards woman and harassed them. He remains under bail conditions whilst the investigation continues.

This legislation was introduced in England and Wales on 1st April 2026 and was designed to tackle Violence against Woman and Girls, whereby public harassment is prevalent and woman are disproportionately more likely to be victims than men.

The key change of the legislation is to cover the offender's motivation by the victim's sex (or presumed sex).

This offence is appropriate for single incidents involving threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour directed towards an individual in public and could include:

following a person (for example, deliberately walking closely behind someone as they walk home at night)

making an obscene or aggressive comment towards a person

making an obscene or offensive gesture towards a person

obstructing a person making a journey

driving or riding a vehicle slowly near to a person making a journey.

Where the behaviour has occurred on two or more occasions towards the same victim it may be an example of stalking or harassment and a charge under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 may be more appropriate.

Further guidance on Violence Against Women and Girls
Learn more about what VAWG includes, how Kent Police is working to protect victims, and where to access support and information:
Tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) | Kent Police

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.kent.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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