Women in media tell of sexual assaults in the office
ONE in 10 women working in the Scottish media has been sexually assaulted at their office, according to a survey.
The figure is just the latest to expose what campaigners call “endemic” workplace sexual harassment since allegations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein sparked the global #metoo movement last year.
It comes from research carried out by Women in Journalism Scotland, a campaign group representing reporters and other media workers, after the Weinstein case sent shockwaves through the international news and entertainment industries.
WIJ surveyed 177 women, finding nearly one-third had been harassed; more than 44 per cent had endured unwelcome sexual advances; and two-thirds had suffered lewd or sexist behaviour.
The survey suggests such experiences are not isolated. Nearly half of those who took part said they had been exposed to lewd or sexist behaviour more than three times. A total of 11% said they had been sexually assaulted; more than 2.3%, four individuals, said they had been sexually assaulted more than three times at their workplace. A total of 11% said they had been sexually assaulted; four individuals saying they had been attacked on more than three occasions.
Libby Brookes, a Guardian journalist who co-chairs WIJ Scotland, said: “Sadly, it comes as no great surprise media and communications suffer the same endemic levels of sexism and sexual harassment as all other industries.
“The situation is compounded, as in other industries, by the fact most senior roles in the media are still occupied by men.
“However, given that it is our job to investigate, report and translate events to the wider public, it’s especially important these stories are not presented through a filter that is hostile to women.”
“All employers have a responsibility to ensure their workplaces are safe and equal environments to work in. But it is up to individuals of both sexes not to enable or collude in this sort of behaviour through their silence. “
The survey also revealed low levels of confidence that men assaulting or harassing colleagues would be dealt with.
Mr Weinstein is facing criminal charges. Allegations against him from stars such as Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow set in chain a media outcry around the world, with women using the #metoo hashtag on Twitter.