As seen in previous chapters, constables had both friendly and acrimonious relationships with civilians, including women, that fit into the larger working-class culture. Police efforts to maintain police neutrality had limited success, and nowhere was discipline more aggravating than when it disrupted men's contacts with women. Women created a particular strain between the strong male culture fostered in police forces which reinforced working-class male chauvinism and force expectations that men behave with the utmost civility. This culture created a tendency to treat women as subordinate at the same time that it created indignation when senior officers meddled in courtships and other consensual relationships. Forces tried to restrict contact with women as much as possible, realizing that the police image was particularly vulnerable when it came to how policemen treated women. Already banned from fraternizing with civilians, constables were discouraged from talking to women to avoid the unfortunate image of men flirting on the job. While any violence towards the public was punished, even minor verbal and physical offences against women, such as asking for or giving unwelcome kisses, met with stiff penalties.