We can’t get over this.
Earlier today we reported on the findings of a new study which highlights how sexual harassment against women is endemic in the workplace.
The full story can be found here, but if you want a brief reminder, here are some of the stark statistics.
- 52% of women have been sexually harassed in their workplace. If you are between the age of 16-24, the chances of being harassed increase to 63%.
- 1 in 8 women have reported their breasts, buttocks or genitals were touched in work.
- 1% of women have been raped or seriously assaulted in a workplace environment
- 4 out of 5 women never report this awful behaviour for fear of being chastised. They worry that it may negatively impact their career.
Seeing how widespread this behaviour really is turned our stomachs. Instead of just listing faceless statistics we wanted to show you some of the reactions from irate women online who have experienced workplace harassment.
This woman was groped and cornered on a daily basis.
I was cornered and groped by my manager on a near-daily basis for 8yrs. I still hide when I see him around town. https://t.co/PN59h7vyXV
— Emily St.Denny (@EmilyStDenny) August 10, 2016
This woman was verbally abused at the age of 15.
https://twitter.com/FrlFuchsig/status/763353864926007296
One of these women was only 16 when her appearance was commented on.
https://twitter.com/Joelle_o/status/763343977001148416
https://twitter.com/mayyvobai/status/763330829149937664
https://twitter.com/LorrieHartshorn/status/763282442656645120
Some of these are truly terrifying.
@EverydaySexism In my previous job, male colleague cornered me and told me what he'd do to me if I let him. #harassedatwork
— Justine (@justinehouyaux) August 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/NennaBaston/status/763262637039820800
#HarassedatWork male colleague apologised for grabbing my ass at the Christmas party, then grabbed my boobs a week later. It was a 'joke'.
— Princess Possum (@ailliu) August 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/TLRS1991/status/763326840727539713
https://twitter.com/twomiletower/status/763299282736836608
Years ago when I didn't accept my bosses advances he told me he would make sure I'd never work in the same industry again #HarassedAtWork
— fibrowarrior (@missmjb) August 10, 2016
@EverydaySexism Working in a restaurant as a teenager, chef "as a joke" grabbed my boobs in front of other staff #HarassedAtWork
— 100% That Chick (@TalkyKaty) August 10, 2016
1st job, 18y/o, older male co-worker told me I could "fit anything in my mouth". 2 yrs later, on panto, harassed by director #harassedatwork
— Tamar Eluned Williams (@tamareluned) August 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/imogenstafford/status/763305525815734272
The less we talk about this, the less things will change. Follow the Everyday Sexism Project on twitter @EverydaySexism. If you have been affected by this article, please contact Spunout or Citizens Information or the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.
If you have your own story that you’d like to share with us, you can email us [email protected], or message us on Facebook.
Cover image: flickr.com/photos/robertotmn