Zero tolerance for #SexualHarassment and abuse

The European Parliament reiterates its 2014 call on the European Commission to propose an EU-wide strategy, including a draft law with binding instruments, to protect women against violence, including sexual harassment and sexual abuse of women and girls.

Combating sexual harassment also includes awareness raising campaigns and tackling the issues of under-reporting and social stigma, says the text.

The resolution was passed by 580 votes to 10, with 27 abstentions.

Sexual harassment in Parliament

Parliament should urgently examine recent allegations of sexual harassment and abuse, introduce mandatory training for all staff and Members on respect and dignity at work, maintain a confidential register of cases, set up a task force of independent experts and improve formal procedures and support for victims in proceedings within the European Parliament and/or with the local police.

Member states should also examine the situation in their national parliaments and take appropriate measures, MEPs say, concluding: “Politicians should act as responsible role models in preventing and combating sexual harassments in Parliaments and beyond.”

Quick facts

 According to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) study from 2014 on violence against women:

• One in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence during their adult lives;
• up to 55% of women in the EU have been sexually harassed;
• 32% of all victims in the EU said the perpetrator was a boss, colleague or customer; 75% of women in qualified professions or top management jobs have been sexually harassed, as have  61% of women employed in the services sector;
• 20% of young women (18-29) in EU-28 have experienced cyber harassment, and;
• one in ten women have been subjected to sexual harassment or stalking using new technology.

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