A PERTH Hills teacher says she and her 13-year-old daughter were traumatised after a group of juveniles assaulted them on a train, with no bystander intervention despite witnesses onboard.

Carla, a full-time Perth Hills teacher who has requested anonymity, was taking her daughter to a year 12 valedictory ceremony when the incident occurred around 5pm on November 20 during a busy afternoon service from Bassendean to Perth station.

The ordeal began when the group of juveniles tried to get the pair’s attention while they were on their phones.

Carla texted her daughter, who was sitting right next to her, warning her not to look at them.

“One of the boys went up close, stood over her and started spraying her,” Carla said.

“It was an unknown substance and I thought they were going to set her on fire.

“I told him to stay away from my daughter.

“I had to make some noise and get loud to get attention from the other passengers.”

Carla said despite the escalating situation on the crowded train, no other passengers came forward to help.

“The most disappointing part for me was that there was no help from any other person sitting on the train,” she said.

“You feel so isolated.

“I felt so alone in that crowded space.”

Carla was forced to call Transperth from the train requesting assistance, as there were no guards on board.

While waiting for guards to arrive at the next stop, she was approached a second time and sprayed as well.

“I was stuck on this train fearing for my daughter and myself,” she said.

When guards finally boarded and approached witnesses about what had occurred, bystanders remained silent.

“It really was disappointing seeing their attitudes,” Carla said.

“Not their problem.

“Not a shared responsibility.

“Victims are left to manage the situation alone.”

After the incident, Carla followed proper procedures, filing a police report and providing a detailed statement.

However, she says the outcome left her deeply disappointed.

Police investigated and visited the three juveniles involved, aged between 13 and 16 and Carla said the offenders only received a caution.

“The reason why they do that is because they’re minors and if they don’t have a criminal record already against them, it won’t go through to the courts so no consequence,” she said.

Carla said police told her the Transperth camera footage was insufficient for prosecution, being too grainy and pixelated to identify the offenders clearly, despite audio from her emergency call also being available.

“What are the cameras there for if we can’t get any audio and the video is insufficient for evidence?” she said.

“How are we supposed to be protected on trains if there is no camera footage?

“That’s what the police require.”

The incident has had lasting impacts on Carla’s family.

She no longer allows her children to catch the train, and both she and her daughter continue to deal with trauma from the experience.

“My daughter is so confused as to why they can get away with this behaviour,” Carla said.

“It really negatively impacted my mental health, having that anxiety about public transport.”

Carla believes antisocial behaviour on trains has become normalised, with many people she has spoken to reporting similar experiences.

“Everyone catches the train at some stage,” she said.

“They’ve all seen it or experienced it.

“This keeps happening.

“When it happens to your daughter, you’re very angry.”

She is calling for tangible change, including a review of safety procedures and clearer pathways that balance rehabilitation with accountability for young offenders.

“There needs to be a review of safety procedures,” Carla said.

“And it feels like that won’t happen until something tragic happens.

“The community needs to be made aware that we need a voice.

“As a citizen I went through every correct avenue but was let down.”

In response to questions from Echo News, WA Police said they take reports of antisocial behaviour seriously and are committed to maintaining community safety.

Police encouraged anyone with information about crimes or suspicious activity to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.