The study of 2,000 adults in the US found that 4 in 10 people feel helpless in these situations, while over half have experienced harassment themselves. The findings shed light on the prevalence of street harassment and highlight the need for education and awareness to combat it.
The survey, which polled 2,000 US adults, discovered that 72% of respondents had either witnessed harassment or had personally experienced it themselves. Of those polled, 52% reported having been harassed, while 37% had witnessed it happening to others in public.
Witnessing harassment can trigger a range of emotions, including anger (75%), sadness (50%), being stunned (41%), and helplessness (32%). These emotions can be overwhelming, leaving many unsure of how to respond.
Respondents defined harassment as being touched without permission (67%), being made to feel uncomfortable (67%), being followed (55%), being racially profiled (52%), and being yelled at (49%).
“It is so important to recognize what harassment is and where it’s happening,” said Emily May, President, Co-Founder, and Lead Executive Officer, Right To Be.