Stop workplace sexual violence: Who is impacted by workplace sexual violence?

Who is impacted by workplace sexual violence?

Sexual violence can impact any worker regardless of sexuality, gender identity or gender expression.[i] However, most perpetrators of sexual violence are men and most survivors are women.[ii] A recent poll found that 43 per cent of women reported being sexually harassed at work, and that women were twice as likely as men to experience unwanted sexual contact while at work.[iii]

People who do not conform to male-female gender identities or who do not identify as heterosexual are also at greater risk. One study found that approximately 90 per cent of transgender and gender-variant employees reported experiencing workplace harassment or violence stemming from their gender identity and expression.[iv] Approximately 47 per cent of LGBTQ2+ workers have experienced workplace harassment or violence based on their sexual orientation.[v]

Women who are discriminated against because of race, Indigeneity, disability, class, immigration status and other marginalized identities may also experience higher rates of violence. For example, stereotypes about racialized women and Indigenous women can be used to justify violence against them.[vi] People from marginalized communities often work in precarious employment with little job security, low pay, and no benefits. These systemic forms of marginalization increase barriers to reporting, accessing support, and accountability measures.[vii]