A new report reveals the extent of public sexual harassment (PSH) experienced by Black and minoritised girls in the UK – with many saying it has impacted on their mental health, self-esteem and identity.
The report, written by researchers at the University of York and funded by global children’s charity Plan International UK, is believed to be the first report on this topic in the UK.
Researchers worked with 34 Black and minoritised girls and young women aged 16 – 21 to better understand how and where they experienced PSH.
Cultural change
The authors of the report say it is clear from the findings that there is a need for systemic and cultural change and the long overdue transformation of sex education and sexual harassment education for young people, teachers, and other authority figures.
Public sexual harassment included intimidating body language and staring; being followed or honked at in cars; receiving comments about their bodies or appearance; being groped, touched and sexually assaulted
Harassment was perpetrated in a range of places, including online and in schools, universities and public spaces and often hinged on their difference from the White or majority norm, in terms of appearance, attire, and body shape
Their bodies were commented on by strangers and peers and this was linked to an oversexualisation of Black girls and young women’s bodies in particular
The bodies of minoritised girls and young women who wore modest or religious clothing were also commented on, and in some cases, their religion or perceived ethnicity was used to insult or degrade them
Girls and young women spoke about how experiencing PSH had impacted on their mental health, self-esteem and identity. It particularly impacted on their body image
Previous surveys by Plan International have shown that 81% of young women and girls have experienced PSH outside in a public area, while 37% have experienced it on public transport.
The lead author of the report, Professor Vanita Sundaram from the University of York’s Department of Education, said: “All the girls and young women who took part in this research expressed a reluctance to report the public sexual harassment they had experienced to the police and other authorities – with structural inequalities clearly contributing to the obstacles that Black and minoritised girls and young women face when reporting.
“Whilst progress is being made, the findings from this report highlight that there is some way to go to address the widespread PSH that girls face in general, and in creating meaningful change for Black and minoritised girls and young women in particular.”
