EU survey says 53% of women 'avoid places and situations' for fear of violence or sexual harrassment
Wednesday, September 24, 2014 @ 12:26 PM
AT LEAST every other woman in the European Union regularly avoids places or situations for fear of violence or sexual harrassment, according to a survey being examined by Valencia University.
The Human Rights Agency questioned 42,000 women aged 18 to 74 in all 28 member States and found that 53% give certain places a wide berth, or avoid certain 'ordinary' behaviour, so they do not suffer hassle or even harm.
Examples include deserted streets or going out after dark so as not to be raped or murdered, given bars or other premises – or wearing specific clothing - so as not to get unwanted and overbearing male attention.
Asked whether they had suffered sexual harrassment – verbal or physical – from the age of 15 upwards, 18% admitted they had, and one in 20 confessed they had been raped at least once.
But the question was framed: “How often have you been forced into sexual acts whilst restrained or physically harmed?”
To this end, says Valencia University's La Nau Cultural Centre, the number who have actually been raped may be a lot higher, since the question does not cover those who have not been subjected to violence or restraint – such as when unconscious, drunk or asleep, or under the influence of date-rape drugs.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com