Safety Work and Emotional Impact: Women’s Responses to Harassment
The night-time economy is often seen as a place for enjoyment and socialising, but for many women, it is also a space of fear, anger, and shame due to unwanted sexual intrusions (USIs). Conducted by Dr. Ruth Lewis and Dr. Amanda McBride from Northumbria University, this study—commissioned by Shout-Up!—sheds light on how women experience these intrusions and the emotional toll they endure.
Unpacking Unwanted Sexual Intrusions (USIs)
USIs encompass a range of behaviours that women encounter during nights out, including groping, verbal harassment, staring, and other invasive actions. Often dismissed as ‘bants’ or ‘just a laugh,’ these actions are, in fact, forms of gender-based violence (GBV). While much research has focused on how women modify their behaviour in response to USIs, this study delves deeper into their emotional responses, highlighting the complex interplay of power and powerlessness that women experience.
Key Findings from the Study
The online survey conducted by Northumbria University gathered 215 responses, offering a revealing look at the emotions women face when subjected to USIs:
Fear: The most prevalent emotion reported, with 44% of women expressing feelings of fear in response to USIs. Terms such as "unsafe," "anxious," and "intimidated" were commonly used, showing how USIs severely affect women’s sense of safety.
Anger: 23% of women expressed anger, describing their frustration at the injustice of these intrusions. This response highlights a growing shift in social norms where women feel more empowered to vocalise their anger against GBV.
Shame: Sadly, 12% of women reported feelings of shame, reflecting the enduring stigma that unfairly places the burden of responsibility on victims rather than perpetrators.
These emotions are not just personal but deeply social, as they stem from interactions and the cultural context in which women navigate the night-time economy.
The Impact of USIs on Women's Lives
USIs have far-reaching consequences beyond the emotional toll. Many women engage in what is termed ‘safety work’ to protect themselves. This can include avoiding certain venues, planning safe routes home, or dressing to avoid attention. Some women even choose to stop participating in the night-time economy altogether, demonstrating the profound impact these intrusions have on their freedom and quality of life.
Shout-Up! and the Call for Change
Shout-Up! has been a pivotal force in addressing these issues by training staff in bars, clubs, and other venues to identify and safely intervene in incidents of sexual harassment. This research further underscores the need for venues to adopt clear, proactive measures that send a strong message: USIs will not be tolerated, and everyone has a role to play in making nights out safe for all.
Download the Infographic
We’ve created an infographic that visually represents the key findings of this research, offering an accessible way to understand the impact of USIs and the importance of safety work. Download it [here] to share and help spread awareness about this critical issue.
Together, we can create a night-time economy where everyone feels safe and empowered.
A summary of our research with Northumbria University, download a PDF here