Did you know that one in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence during their adult lives? 32% of all victims in the EU reported that the perpetrator was a superior, colleague or costumer. Combating and preventing mobbing and sexual harassment in the workplace, public spaces or in political environments is one of the key priorities of the ALDE Group in the European Parliament.

“We urgently need an increased awareness of the risks and consequences of violence and harassment at work, in public spaces, or in political life. And we need methods to address them. This means that we need to clarify the terms and definitions used in relation to gender-based violence. But moreover, we need common legal standards on violence against women. In a nutshell: It’s time for a comprehensive EU action plan!” says Beatriz Becerra MEP, Member of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality.

Becerra demands a zero tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and mobbing and an adequate protection and support of the victims: “Female journalists for example are often victims of cyberbullying. That is why media companies should not only improve cybersecurity and provide legal support to the person concerned but should also adopt a series of good practices, such as awareness campaigns or adequate trainings.”

Becerra also calls on The European Parliament to lead by example and ensure the swift implementation of the 2017 EP Resolution on Combating sexual harassment and abuse in the EU. Read the joint motion for a resolution here.

“Politicians should be held to the highest standards of conduct and act as responsible role models in preventing and combating sexual harassment in parliaments and beyond. Especially female politicians experience mobbing and harassment on social media in the form of ‘trolling’, involving the posting of sexist and abusive messages, including death and rape threats. I call on all political parties to take concrete steps to tackle this problem, including the introduction of action plans and the revision of internal party regulations to introduce a zero-tolerance policy, preventive measures and procedures to adequately deal with complaints," she concluded.

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