Realities of Sexual Harassment and Violence Against Women

Low Reporting Rates for Non-Partner Violence

Only 16% of women contacted the police as a result of the most serious incident of physical and/or sexual violence they experienced from a non-partner after the age of 15.

"I am a doctor and I consider myself to be a strong, feminist woman. I was raped by a male doctor colleague in 2012 and never went to the police, due to embarrassment... Most people on my team knew that my rapist stalked me at work and harassed me both within and outside of work. Nobody did anything, and I felt too broken to act in any constructive way. I just hid and avoided."

Fear and Avoidance in Everyday Life

64% of women reported avoiding places or situations for fear of being physically or sexually assaulted.

"This New Year's Eve, I was walking into town to see the fireworks and I was coerced by several men and groped when just walking by. A group of older men in their late 20s/early 30s stalked behind me asking me if I was 18 years old; another said, '16 even, because either way I'd make her pussy wet.' I'm 17 and this was the first time I had gone to town for a night out; being subjected to such hostile, vile, and disrespectful people made me anxious of even entertaining the idea of trying to go out again."

The Necessity of Self-Defence Measures

9% of women said they carried something for self-defence purposes.

"Last week, walking past a garage, a male voice called out, 'I wouldn't mind her sitting in my face.' I'm 60 years old for goodness' sake; I thought I was too old by now for that sort of comment. Like most other women, I've had to put up with harassment from men all my teenage and adult life. I don't go out at night alone very often and when I do, you can bet I'm hyper-aware of my surroundings, and I carry keys laced between my fingers, just in case."

Psychological Toll of Sexual Harassment

When asked about the long-term psychological consequences of the most serious incident of sexual harassment they'd experienced, 27% of UK women said it made them feel vulnerable and 19% that they lost confidence. 12% reported anxiety and 8% depression.

"The fact is, I feel violated. My body feels like it isn't mine; I feel guilty, angry, sad. I am lonely around others. I used to be quite aggressive and bold and now I find myself afraid to look men in the eye or smile because if I do, they think it's an invite to call me sweetheart and beckon me to them. I have anxiety attacks now, I cry for no reason, I've fallen behind in work; most of my friends are male and don't seem to understand. None of the men who have made me feel worthless will be punished for what they did; instead, I am punished."