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Gender and sexuality

Research Briefing: It Happens All the Time; Girls' and Young Women's Experiences of Sexual Harrassment

Girlguiding · 2021

About this report

This survey of over 400 girls and young women aged 13–18 across the UK found that two thirds had experienced sexual harassment from other students at school, and 80% felt unsafe when out alone. Fear of harassment significantly limited girls' freedom, opportunities, and mental health, with older girls and those identifying as LGBQ or girls of colour disproportionately affected. Girls reported widespread barriers to reporting harassment and called for urgent action from schools, government, and the media.

Research details

Methodology
Survey
Sample size
423
Sample
Girls and young women aged 13–18 across the UK, including 90 girls of colour and 73 who identified as LGBQ, recruited via an online panel.
Place
UK-wide
Youth involvement
No youth involvement

Themes