ALMOST three-quarters of young people in the East of England have witnessed sexual harassment while out drinking.

A new Drinkaware/YouGov survey reveals the extent to which alcohol-related sexual harassment in the region has become a normal part of nights out.

Some 72 per cent of 18 to 24-year-old men and women surveyed who drink in bars, clubs or pubs said they had seen sexual harassment on a night out.

This is someone being on the receiving end of inappropriate sexual comments or abuse, inappropriate sexual touching, inappropriate or unwanted physical attention or touching.

About 68 per cent of 161 people surveyed this summer said they expected women to be victim of this harassment while out, and 38 per cent admitted to being victims themselves.

Janet MacKechnie, campaign lead for Drinkaware, said: “For far too many people, drunken sexual harassment is now sadly part and parcel of a night out.

“Being drunk is no excuse to grab, grope or make inappropriate comments to strangers on a night out after a few drinks.” 

Drinkaware is now campaigning to put an end to unwanted, drunken sexual harassment and its normalisation.

The alcohol education charity aims to encourage witnesses to challenge the status quo by giving them information and advice on what to do if they see or suspect someone is being harassed.

The three elements of the advice are: Spot it, Check it, and Speak out - if it is safe to do so.

Janet added: “If people see someone being sexually harassed, asking them if they are okay can make a big difference - whether they’re a friend or a stranger.

“It can be difficult to know exactly what to do which is why Drinkaware are giving young people this information and advice in the hope that next time they feel more confident to offer support to someone.

“Asking someone if they are okay and giving them support sends a clear signal this behaviour is no longer going to be tolerated.”

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