Rome Bus Passenger Sexually Harassed, Bystanders Fail to Intervene

A young woman, Marika Farella, was sexually assaulted on a crowded bus in Rome during the afternoon of June 9th, 2025. Despite numerous witnesses, no one intervened. Farella stated, "I felt violated. I called 112 because I realized that none of the passengers on the bus was willing to intervene to help me." The police were contacted, but the bus driver refused to stop, fearing charges of obstructing public service. This incident underscores the need for greater awareness and intervention in cases of sexual harassment in public spaces. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of bystanders and public transport operators.