Almost two-thirds of girls and young women say public sexual harassment surges in summer

The majority of girls and young women in the UK (59%) feel they are more likely to be sexually harassed in public in the summer months compared to the rest of the year, according to a new survey from global children’s charity Plan International UK. 

Plan International UK’s survey of 603 girls and young women aged 16-25 found that many are steering clear of festivals, stopping themselves from exercising in public spaces and policing the way they dress due to fear of being harassed in summer.  

Over three-quarters (77%) said they actively avoid activities due to fear of public sexual harassment during the summer, including: 

• Wearing an outfit that keeps them cool in hot weather (42%) 
• Going to bars and pubs (31%) 
• Running or exercising in public spaces (26%) 
• Swimming in public spaces (24%) 
• Festivals and music gigs (21%) 
• Going to the beach (18%) 
• Playing sport in public spaces (17%) 
• Going on public transport (16%) 

This comes following the recent TikTok trend #subwayshirt – which has amassed over 17.9M views – that shows women documenting the extra layers they wear over their summer outfits to avoid harassment whilst travelling on public transport. 

Since 2020, Plan International UK and Our Streets Now have been campaigning to make public sexual harassment a crime, with over 65,000 supporters behind them. The Protection from Sex-Based Harassment in Public Bill, introduced to help tackle this behaviour, is due to pass its final stages in Parliament this Autumn. 

Kathleen Spencer Chapman, Director of Communications, Advocacy and UK Programmes at Plan International UK, says:  

“Public sexual harassment is an everyday reality for girls and young women in the UK, and our devastating survey results show just how much it restricts their freedom in the summer months, with many missing out on activities they should be enjoying in order to avoid it. We are looking forward to seeing the Protection from Sex-Based Harassment Bill enter its final stages in a hugely symbolic moment for girls’ rights.  We hope it prompts much-needed widespread cultural change so that society no longer sees these behaviours as acceptable." 

Gemma Tutton, co-founder of Our Streets Now, said: 

“Women, girls and people of marginalised genders shouldn’t have to change where we go or what we do to avoid unwelcome and unwanted attention. We shouldn’t have to cover up in the summer heat to try in vain to deter sexual advances or intimidating behaviour as we try to go about our daily lives.  

 “Yet this survey shows just how many of us will restrict our actions and freedoms for fear of public sexual harassment. Summer - a time for hanging out with friends, exercising in the park, going to festivals and enjoying the sunshine - is clearly a very different experience for women and girls across the UK. 

“There is still much more to do, and any changes in the law must put survivors and victims first, and help change attitudes toward this issue. In the meantime, Our Streets Now and our partners will continue to drive progressive cultural change - the main antidote to public sexual harassment - through our work in schools, colleges, universities and local communities.” 

To find out more about Plan International UK and Our Streets Now’s #CrimeNotCompliment campaign, and to add your name to the campaign visit our Crime not Compliment page. 

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Notes to editors: 

Methodology 

• Data gathered through Savanta’s Youth Omnibus which took place 28th-31st July 2023 
• Views were contributed by 603 16-25 year olds who identified as female living in the UK 
• The sample was structured and weighted to be representative across age and home region 

For more information or to arrange interviews please contact:  

Leah Godfrey, Media & PR Officer, [email protected]