ITV News – sexual harassment polling

Research for ITV News on sexual harassment.

Christmas Party

Around one in four people in employment say that the sexual harassment media stories will affect their Christmas party in some way
31% say it will make them behave more cautiously around their colleagues (37% of men and 25% of women)
26% say it makes them worried that their workplace might become less sociable (31% of men and 22% of women)
24% say it makes them think that behaviour at this year’s party will be more subdued (28% men, 19% women)
One in five (20%) are worried that a colleague could misunderstand their behaviour at this year’s party (24% of men and 16% of women)
Seven percent say that their party has been shelved over sexual harassment concerns (9% men, 4% women)

Sexual harassment

17% say they’ve experienced what they believe to be sexual harassment in the workplace or place of study – 9% of men and 25% of women
The older the person, the less likely they are to say they’ve experienced it – 22% of 18-24s but only 12% of 65+
Just 4% say they’ve reported sexual harassment to their boss or to someone in authority (we’re asking for a filter to exclude those who haven’t experienced it)
26% overall, and 31% of women (20% of men) say that the news stories of harassment make them more likely to report it in future; just 3% say they’d be less likely

Impact of news stories on harassment and reporting

32% of women expect less sexual harassment as a result of the news stories, 13% expect an increase
66% of women expect more reporting of sexual harassment as a result of the stories, 5% a decrease

Impact on the workplace (only those in employment)

26% overall, and 32% of men (20% of women) are minded to tone down jokes with colleagues as a result of the harassment stories
34% overall, and 39% of men (28% of women) are minded to take more care over general conversation at work
30% overall, and 34% of men and 26% of women, are minded to take more care when socialising with colleagues outside of the workplace/study
25% overall, and 31% of men and 18% of women, are minded to avoid any kind of physical contact at work (eg hugs)

Date Published: 14th December 2017

Categories: GB | Public and communities | Social

Methodology

ComRes surveyed a representative sample of 2,129 GB adults online between 6th and 7th December 2017. Data were weighted by age, gender, region and socio-economic grade to be representative of all adults in Great Britain aged 18+. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.