A recent study conducted by the University of Manchester has shed light on the pervasive issue of harassment experienced by women while running in northwest England. The findings indicate that more than two-thirds of English women surveyed reported being subjected to various forms of harassment during their jogging routines.
According to the study, which surveyed women in the region, threats and verbal abuse were among the most commonly reported forms of harassment encountered by female runners. Shockingly, some women recounted instances of having objects thrown at them or being physically assaulted while out for a run.
Key statistics from the study reveal the extent of the problem: 58% of female respondents reported experiencing verbal abuse, 19% stated they had been followed, and 7% disclosed incidents of indecent exposure.
Perhaps most disturbingly, thirteen respondents admitted to being physically assaulted while running, while seven women disclosed incidents of sexual assault.
Despite the prevalence of harassment, the study found that only a small fraction of women, a mere 5%, reported these incidents to the police. This reluctance to report such incidents stands in stark contrast to the fact that 68% of respondents admitted to having experienced some form of harassment while running.
Commenting on the findings, study author Rose Broad emphasized, “It’s not all men, but it is always men,” highlighting the gendered nature of the harassment faced by female runners. These findings underscore the urgent need for measures to address and combat the pervasive culture of harassment and violence against women in public spaces.
