Sexual harassment has been hitting the headlines on an almost daily basis recently, with much of the reporting focused on the film industry, and disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein.
However, reports of
sexual harassment in other areas are now also attracting attention, including allegations of harassment at the European Parliament.
Harassment at the European Parliament
Around a dozen female aides have now come forward alleging they were the victims of sexual harassment at the hands of MEPs, with one describing the Parliament as “an absolute hotbed of harassment”, reports the
Express. Many of these women say they didn’t report the harassment at the time because they were worried that doing so would have a detrimental impact on their careers.
Action to Tackle the Issue
The
European Parliament has said that it is taking these reports very seriously, and highlights that it already has initiatives in place to tackle sexual harassment.
At the start of this legislature it set up an Advisory Committee of MEPs to deal with harassment complaints between assistants and members. This committee deals with all forms of harassment in the work place, not just sexual harassment. According to the Parliament, the committee has so far not received any formal complaints about sexual harassment.
At the end of last year, the Advisory Committee rolled out a more pro-active and preventive campaign, which is still ongoing. With this, the committee is trying on the one hand to raise awareness of its existence and make itself more visible to MEPs' assistants, and on the other hand to raise awareness of the issue of harassment among MEPs.
Actions included in the campaign include putting up posters put up around Parliament's buildings and publishing a leaflet to inform MEPs "how to avoid improper behaviour towards your staff". A leaflet for assistants is currently being drafted. There are also training sessions for members as well as for assistants and there is an early support system in place, consisting of confidential counsellors.
“It is with shock and indignation that I have learned of recent allegations of sexual harassment at the European Parliament,” commented Parliament President Antonio Tajani. “However, shock alone cannot be the answer. Though steps have already been taken a year ago to raise awareness of the existence of the harassment complaints committee, it’s necessary to further increase awareness of the facilities already in place.”
The Parliament has also held a recent debate on the issue, which included discussions on the measures currently in place as well as what further measures should be taken by the EU to prevent and tackle sexual harassment.
Harassment Widespread in Britain
Back in Britain, sexual harassment still appears to be a widespread problem, with a recent poll revealing that as many as 37% of adults have apparently been the victim of sexual harassment, either at work or a place of study. Looking at the figures by gender, 20% of men and 53% of women say they have experienced harassment.
The poll, which was conducted by
ComRes for BBC Radio 5Live, also found that amongst those who have been harassed, 43% said it was by a colleague at an equivalent level to themselves. As many as 67% said they did not report the harassment, and 8% ended up leaving their job or place of study because of the harassment they suffered.
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