Most of Russians have not faced sexual harassment at work but would perceive it as humiliation (mostly young people and women).

MOSCOW, August 03, 2020 Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the findings of a survey devoted to different types of workplace harassment, experiences and public attitudes towards this problem.

Russian experiences and attitudes to lewd comments 

Most of Russians have not faced any types of harassment or workplace suppression.

Only 12% report that they have experienced lead remarks or comments related to their appearance; 4% say they have experienced such situations multiple times or experience them on a constant basis. Those who report so are mainly younger Russians aged 18–24 (17%). About 55% of Russians consider such remarks humiliating (46% of men and 63% women).

Eighty-four percent of Russians say they have not experienced situations where someone was openly gazing at their body parts (88% of men and 81% of women); 11% of Russians say they have experienced such situations. Those are mainly respondents aged 18–24 (19%). One-third of Russians would consider it as an insult (33%) – they are less likely men (19%) than women (45%). The 18-24-year-olds are more likely to treat it negatively (45%).

Eighty-two percent of Russians have never dealt with any negative issues or comments related to their intimate life. However, every tenth respondent has faced that (12%): predominantly young Russians aged 18–24 (20%) and far less often respondents aged 60 and over (6%). Forty-six percent of Russians would consider comments as an insult: mainly women and young people (54% and 60%, respectively).

Workplace sexual advances 

As to more serious types of harassment, an overwhelming majority of Russians (87%) have never been in a situation of suppression or unwanted physical contact at work. However, every tenth (9%) has faced sexual demands or sexually offensive conduct at work.

As to the perceptions of sexually offensive conduct in the workplace, Russians are divided in their opinions: half of respondents (45%) do not perceive such conduct as humiliation, whereas the other half says that this can be treated as an offence. The latter stance is often shared by women and young respondents. Every second woman strongly believes that this is an offence (51% vs 22% of men). Respondents aged 18-24 react more sharply than those aged 60+ (60% and 42%, respectively).

A majority of Russians have not faced a promise of a work-related benefit or a threat of work-related sanctions in exchange for sexual favors (94%). Those who have are 3% of women (one or two times) and 4% of Russians aged 25–34. Half of Russians (57%) consider such conduct to be humiliating (46% of men and 67% of women). Thirty-five percent of Russians see no offence: mainly men (42%) and persons aged 60+ (40%).

Every tenth Russian (9%) has faced unwanted touching, hugging and patting at work: basically respondents aged 18–24 (31%). At the same time, most of Russians have not faced such situation in the workplace (87%). Fifty-two percent of Russians would perceive it as an offence: they are often women (64%). However, 44% of Russians (57% of men and 47% of those aged 60+) do not consider such behavior as inappropriate.

An overwhelming majority of Russians have not experienced rape in the workplace (97%); less than 1% gave positive answers.

Young people are more likely to report such behavior. This might be because of their perceptions: what was previously considered as normal is inappropriate for the young generation. Besides that, because of extensive media coverage of this topic, including social media, those groups who actively communicate are more likely to notice any kind of unethical conduct. The way that sexual abuse is perceived is also dependent on gender: men are less likely to perceive a number of actions under consideration as humiliating.

Refusal to enter into sexual relationships: consequences and responsibility

An absolute majority of Russians have not been faced with a necessity to reject sexual insinuations or advances from senior managers to enter into sexual relationships (90%). A refusal in response to such actions did not cause any consequences for 4% of Russians; 3% pointed to dismissals and other consequences.

According to 59% of Russians, a perpetuator has to bear responsibility for his/her actions. Those who think so are mainly young respondents aged 18-24 (63%). Almost a quarter of respondents consider that it is the company or top managers who are in charge of such actions (23%); this stance is common among those aged 25-34. The “it’s your fault” opinion is not popular (4%). Almost every tenth Russian (9%) failed to provide an answer: mainly persons aged 60+ (13%)

Russian VCIOM-Sputnik survey was conducted on July 29, 2020. Results are based on telephone interviews with 1,600 Russians aged 18 and older. A stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of Russian landline and mobile phone number was used. The data were weighted according to selection probability and social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes to the wording of questions and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.