Survey finds one in three physically harassed in public
IRISH women do not feel safe with one in three experiencing physical harassment in public, a new survey has found.
Nine out of 10 said they felt unsafe because of their gender, while 60% revealed they are scared having to take the bus.
The survey by Plan International Ireland, a charity for young females, was released on International Day of the Girl yesterday.
It followed a global report in which 69% of Dublin-based experts claimed sexual harassment is a regular occurrence in the city’s public spaces.
Charity spokesman Paul O’brien said: “It’s a stark reality for women in our country, especially young women, that harassment and fear are part of daily life.
“It’s clear our young women are faced with significant barriers as they strive to achieve their full potential, barriers which men don’t seem to have to factor-in to everyday life.
“On International Day of the Girl
It is a stark reality for women here that harassment and fear are part of daily life
PAUL O’BRIEN
Per cent felt more vulnerable purely because they are female
Per cent said they have been verbally abused in public
PLAN INTERNATIONAL IRELAND SPOKESMAN YESTERDAY
we are saying it’s vital young women are consulted by their local politicians and councils and are brought into the decisionmaking process around areas that will directly impact on their safety in public.”
Meanwhile, an international survey of almost 400 experts in children and women’s rights and urban safety, including experts based in Dublin, found sexual harassment is the biggest city danger facing young women.
Almost a quarter said sexual assault or rape is a safety concern for women in public spaces. Mr O’brien continued: “Girls and young women have a basic human right to be safe in their cities.
“Unfortunately this is not the reality for many around the world, with common safety threats and challenges experienced on a wide scale.
“While Dublin is one of the safest cities in the survey, we have seen there is a need for a culture change to ensure women feel safe and are safe when in public spaces, and crucially are consulted on policy-making in the area.
“They need allies to achieve this – and men have a critical role to play.”
The majority, 93%, surveyed said they felt more vulnerable purely because they were female. A further 58% revealed they often or sometimes feel unsafe taking the bus.
More than a third of females participating in the survey said they have been subjected to physical harassment in public.
They revealed it happens most frequently in bars at 36% followed by public streets at 22%.
The survey showed 49%, have been verbally abused in public While 75% said they jog or walk faster as a safety precaution at night and 47%, take a different route or will walk longer distances in order to feel safer.
The survey, which was conducted online last month involved 534 respondents of which 75% were aged under 25.