Nature of sexual harassment behaviours
experienced in last 5 years
The nature of sexual harassment behaviours experienced by workers varies widely. Workers are
most likely to be subject to non-physical types of sexual harassment, particularly crude or offensive
behaviour (25%) or unwanted sexual attention (20%). Physical forms of sexual harassment are less
common, with 13% of workers reporting being sexually assaulted (including unwanted touching).
30% OF WORKERS (38% OF WOMEN AND 23% OF MEN) HAVE
EXPERIENCED AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING BEHAVIOURS…
Total
Crude/offensive behaviour (Nett)
8
8
Unwanted pictures, objects, or other materials with a
sexual content
7
6
8
14
Unwanted sexually directed remarks/questions about
clothing, body, or sexual activities
13
19
7
5
9
13
8
Unwanted touching, hugging, cornering or kissing, or other
unwanted physical contact
17
12
8
17
2
2
2
Sexual coercion (Nett)
4
Unwanted requests or pressure for sex, or other sexual acts
Other unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature
28
19
6
Sexual assault (Nett)
Worse treatment/threats of punishment if pressure for
dates or sexual activities turned down
20
15
10
Unwanted repeated or inappropriate invitations
to go out on dates
29
9
Unwanted sexual attention (Nett)
Unwanted sexual staring or glances
31
22
15
Unwanted sexually explicit emails, texts, social media
comments, videos, or other content
Female
25
19
Unwanted sexual remarks/jokes
Actual or attempted rape or sexual assault
Male
5
5
4
4
4
2
2
3
6
8
10
Note: the ‘nett’ categories on this chart refer to the % of respondents who had experienced one or more of the behaviours listed
underneath the ‘nett’ category.
Most common ‘other behaviours’ include being followed/stalked; unwanted advances (<1%)
Base: All respondents (2,512)
Q2A In the last 5 years, have you personally experienced this in a work environment (e.g. from a colleague or customer/client)? Respondents were
shown 11 sexual harassment behaviours.
KANTAR PUBLIC 2022
15