Overview
- The law took effect Wednesday under the government’s strategy on violence against women and girls.
- It creates a new offence for intentional harassment because of someone’s sex in public places across England and Wales.
- Police leaders say it gives them a targeted way to act on following, catcalling and misogynistic remarks.
- Offenders can receive sentences of up to two years under statutory guidance published today.
- Campaigners say impact will depend on enforcement and on victims feeling able to report incidents.