A committee of British lawmakers yesterday was to launch an inquiry into sexual harassment of women and girls in public places such as streets, public transport, shops, bars and clubs.
The cross-party Women and Equalities Committee is to examine what more can be done to combat unwanted sexual attention in public spaces other than the workplace, it said.
“We are putting a spotlight on a problem that seems to be so routine in women’s lives and yet has received very little attention in public policy,” committee chair Maria Miller said in a statement. “We want to find out why it happens, what the government is doing to root it out and what more can be done.”
A 2016 national survey published by YouGov found that 85 percent of women aged 18 to 24 had experienced unwanted sexual attention in public places, while 45 percent had experienced unwanted sexual touching.
The inquiry follows the emergence of widespread allegations in Britain, the US and globally about sexual assault and harassment.
Britain’s parliament was among the institutions to become embroiled in a sex scandal after abuse allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein prompted thousands of women and men to share stories about improper behavior.
British Prime Minister Theresa May and other party leaders have agreed to introduce new safeguards for those working in parliament to try to contain a growing sexual harassment scandal there.
The committee said it would not be scrutinizing the UK Houses of Parliament, as a separate parliamentary group was looking into those issues.
The committee is to receive written evidence and later take oral submissions before compiling a report, likely in the summer.
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