Gender-Based Harassment in Public Spaces: A Review of the Literature

ACE Hub Wales is pleased to share their new report ‘Gender-Based Harassment in Public Spaces: A Review of the Literature’.

The experience of gender-based harassment can be traumatic, and we acknowledge that it can happen in a number of forms and a range of settings. ACE Hub Wales recognises the need to increase our knowledge and evidence base to include gendered experiences of adversity and trauma in line with the inclusive principle in the Wales Trauma- Informed Framework, and the commitment to a trauma-informed approach to Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) in Wales. 

The Wales (VAWDASV) strategy acknowledges the importance of tackling misogynistic and sexual violence that can be experienced in public spaces. The Blueprint approach has been adopted by Welsh Government and Policing in Wales to support delivery against the strategy. Devolved and non-devolved agencies, non-governmental organisations, specialist services and survivors work together to coordinate actions and drive activities to deliver the shared priority of tackling VAWDASV and commitment to trauma-informed, needs led services. Our Director, Dr Joanne Hopkins, is co-lead for the Blueprint work stream: Gender-based Harassment in all Public Spaces which has a priority to understand the evidence base around this using a Public Health Approach. 

The aim of this review is to consolidate and enhance the evidence base on the prevention of, and response to, public sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based harassment in all public spaces, to understand prevalence, causes and effective interventions. It will directly inform the priority of the Blueprint work stream. It will also support preparation for the forthcoming UK Government legislation on Protection from Sex-based harassment in Public Harassment Act.

This review identified 58 studies which used a range of terminology including gender-based harassment, street harassment and public sexual harassment; studies also focussed on the night-time economy and music festivals. Findings indicate that gender-based harassment in public spaces is a significant issue, globally, in the UK and in Wales.  In terms of causes of public harassment, the report draws out key themes across the literature and focusses on the continuum of men’s violence against women; traditional harmful masculinities; and intersectionality. Analysis of what protects women and girls is underpinned by a socio-ecological model and focusses on action at the individual, relationship, community and societal levels. Finally, areas identified where further research is needed include sexual harassment in crowds and in live music venues as well as the online space, which is the subject of a further review.

Lead author Dr Samia Addis said “The evidence indicates that gender-based harassment in public spaces is a significant issue for women and girls in a range of settings including shopping centres, public transport, parks and on the street. The focus of this review is to identify the causes as well as factors which protect from gender-based harassment in public spaces”.   

Should you have any questions about this report, or the wider work of ACE Hub Wales, please contact ACE@wales.nhs.uk