November's gloom shines light on sexual harassment.

We're a week or so in to November, and as the cooler air reminds us we’re coming towards the end of another year, the UK finds itself grappling with not the cold, but with more the chilling revelations of widespread sexual harassment within its workplaces and campuses.

The Royal Air Force's Red Arrows, for many, a symbol of national pride, have been exposed as a "predatory environment," where women were reportedly treated as property, harassed for sex, and bullied​. This scandal has been a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of harassment in workplaces.

Police under pressure?

The police force, trusted to protect and serve, is not immune to these transgressions. A female firearms officer's victory in a sex discrimination and harassment case against the West Midlands Police stands as a testament to the struggles faced by women even in the ranks of law enforcement​​. The revelation that almost 130 Met police officers, accused of sexual or domestic abuse, continue their duties raises questions about the system's ability to police itself​.

A statistical perspective

These incidents are the tip of the iceberg: 58% of women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, and 68% of students experience verbal or physical sexual harassment. But... 8 in 10 don't report these incidents.

The figures, which represent millions of affected individuals, underscore the urgency of tackling the situation.

Where do we stand?

What these stories and statistics highlight is a failure of systems and protocols, and, perhaps a cultural malaise that needs addressing. The UK, even with its robust anti-harassment laws, still sees regular violations, suggesting that legislation alone is not enough. 

There must be a concerted effort to shift attitudes, enhance reporting mechanisms, and, most importantly, foster environments where respect and dignity are non-negotiable.

The way forward

As we move closer towards the end of 2023, let's make it the year where change began in earnest. For the Red Arrows, the police force, and countless other workplaces, it's time to evolve from a culture of silence and complicity to one of action and accountability. 

Let the stories and statistics of November (and October...) be the realisation that moves us to ensure dignity at work is not just a policy, but a practice.

November has been less about the darkening days and more about shedding light on the dark corners of workplaces where harassment lurks. 

It's time to stop harassment and discrimination at work and study, with SaferSpace we can help make a difference.