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39% of women experience sexual harassment in the workplace

No less than 39% of women indicate that they experience sexual harassment in the workplace. This even leads to behavioral change at work for some of the women. Fourteen percent of women indicate that they protect themselves against sexual harassment by acting aloof towards men. Thirteen percent make sure they look inconspicuous. This is shown by research by Viva.

More than five hundred women between the ages of twenty-five and forty-five took part in the online survey about sexual harassment in the workplace. The study assumed sexual intimidation if sexual favors are (appeared to) be forced. This is not just about physical assault or demanding sexual return in exchange for a promotion. Sexist remarks, unwanted sexual attention such as undressing with one's eyes are also included.

As many as 39% of the women who participated in the survey were harassed at work to a greater or lesser extent. In 3% there was an attempted assault or rape, in most cases touching, ambiguous comments about body or clothing and sexual messages. Almost one in ten women sometimes receive a sexually oriented text message. Sexual jokes are the most common (29%) followed by ambiguous comments about clothing, body or sex life (24%). Unnecessary touching happened to 11% of the women who participated in the survey.