UN WOMEN REPORT SHOWS Prevalence of Sexual Harassment

Numerous studies consistently show that many women and girls have experienced sexual harassment, with variations in reported numbers over time. Various factors, including location, time of day, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, affect women's experiences of sexual harassment.

In the 2021 UN Women UK / YouGov survey, a "public space" was defined to include public transport, hospitality venues, public events, streets, parks, and online spaces (excluding workplaces or study locations). The survey revealed that 71% of women of all ages have encountered some form of sexual harassment in a public space, potentially indicating an underestimation in previous studies. Notably, 8% of women either didn't answer or chose not to disclose, suggesting the actual prevalence may be higher than 71%.

A 2016 YouGov survey by the End Violence Against Women Coalition reported 64% of women experiencing sexual harassment in public spaces, slightly lower than the 2021 survey. In 2020, a study by Plan International UK and Our Streets Now found that 19% of girls aged 14-21 had experienced public sexual harassment during lockdown, leading to 28% feeling less safe in public spaces post-lockdown.

The 2021 UN Women UK YouGov survey highlighted that sexual harassment is most often experienced and reported by younger women, with over 80% of women aged 18-34 having experienced it in public spaces. Only 3% of 18-24 year-olds claimed never to have experienced any form of listed sexual harassment. Full-time students were also disproportionately affected, with 93% reporting some form of harassment.

A 2014 Transport for London study indicated differences in harassment incidents based on ethnic and cultural backgrounds, with 8% of white and 10% of BAME adults reporting unwelcome sexual behavior. A more comprehensive analysis of ethnicity, gender, age, and socio-economic background could provide further insights into intersectional experiences.

An important 2019 report by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee highlighted that sexual harassment is the most common form of violence against women and girls. However, the report also underscored the lack of robust data on sexual harassment in public places, which is crucial for effective policy.