66 pc women faced sexual harassment last year: Survey-Fri,/ Jul 9/10-

66 pc women faced sexual harassment last year: Survey



Fri, Jul 9 12:57 PM

Two out of three women in Delhi have suffered sexual harassment at least 2-5 times in the last year. This was revealed in a joint survey report released by NGO Jagori, United Nations Development Fund for Women and UN Habitat.

The survey 'Safe Cities Baseline Survey- Delhi 2010' gathered and analysed information about the nature and forms of gender based violence and harassment faced by women, the role of governing agencies and the police in safeguarding women's rights and societal perceptions and attitudes towards sexual harassment. It had a total sample of 5010 people. This survey is the first of its kind and is unique for including the perceptions and experiences of men regarding the issue. It looked at harassment of women in Delhi , highlighting concerns relating to public spaces in the city.

More than 80 per cent of the respondents reported incidents of verbal harassment, with 45 per cent women reporting incidents of stalking. Women claimed to suffer maximum harassment in the marketplace followed closely by metro stations and areas around schools and colleges. Roadsides and public transport are places where women are most vulnerable to harassment. The survey found school and college students to be most vulnerable to harassment, though women across all categories face harassment.

The main reasons for sexual harassment identified by the survey include lack of gender friendly and functional infrastructure such as adequate lighting, side walks and safe public toilets; open usage of alcohol and drugs by men; and the lack of effective and visible police presence. 54 per cent of women reported feeling unsafe and vulnerable in crowded public transport and bus stops.

Female respondents expressed a dismal lack of confidence in the police to curb harassment, with only 0.8 per cent reporting such incidents to the authorities. The vast majority responded to harassment by confronting the perpetrator themselves or by seeking help from family and friends. The lack of faith in the police extended across all occupational groups.

The report on the findings of the survey included a number of recommendations like improving public infrastructure such as streetlights,sidewalks and privacy of public women's toilets; publicising the use of helplines, deploying policemen and sensitising the public.

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