MBTA Launches Anti-Groping Campaign

BOSTON -- The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority launched a new ad campaign Monday that aims to crack down on gropers who harass female passengers on crowded subways and buses.

NewsCenter 5's Shiba Russell reported that there are three different posters that will be displayed around the Hub encouraging sexual assault victims to report any incidents. One of the ads says, "Rub against me, and I'll expose you."

VIDEO: Anti-Groping Ads Launched

"When it's really crowded on the T and when people are really close to each other, it's often times that gentlemen behind you will try to get closer to you," commuter Michele King said.

"Guys are fresh. They think they are slick, and they rub up a little and if you don't react to it, they go again, and they see how far they can actually get," commuter Sorangie Davis said.

More than 900 billboards warn molesters on trains and buses.

"There is no place for that kind of violence against any body on the MBTA," MBTA General Manager Dan Grabauskas said.

"The whole environment is about taking this seriously, while before, I think the environment was, 'Well, it is just part of life,'" Boston Area Rape Crisis Center spokeswoman Gina Scarmella said.

Commuters were urged to report any incidents.

"We will use that information to identify offenders, track trends and assist with the assignment of our decoy operation," Grabauskas said.