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Information note on the 'Current Issues Survey: Sexual Violence Against Women'

Madrid, 08 February 2023

Nota informativa

The majority of Spaniards believe that much progress has been made in equality between men and women, although great inequalities persist.

  • According to the survey on sexual violence against women carried out by the CIS, 59.6% of citizens believe that women who suffer sexual assault rarely report it.
  • The main reasons why men sexually assault women, according to the opinion of the people surveyed, are because "they have mental problems", "due to lack of education, lack of principles and values"; "out of a feeling of superiority, power and rights"; and because "they have a low educational level"

Madrid, February 8, 2023 . The CIS has carried out a survey on sexual violence against women, during the month of January, where the majority of Spaniards (67.8%) believe that inequalities between men and women are less now than ten years ago. Although :

  • Women believe it in a lower percentage (63.3%) than men (72.5%).
  • The youngest population groups are the ones that most believe that inequalities between men and women have decreased: 18 to 24 years old (81.9%) and in the 25 to 34 age group (74%).
  • Despite the progress, 58.5% believe that the inequalities that exist between men and women are still very large or quite large . In this case, women (67.5%) have higher percentages than men (48.9%).

Behaviors occur on the Internet and social networks that must be punished by law.

The majority of Spaniards consider it unacceptable and should always be punished by law, among others: blackmailing a person by spreading photographs or videos of a sexual nature, for 97.5%; sharing photographs or videos of a sexual nature through social networks without the consent of the people who appear in the photo or video, for 96%; pressuring a person to send naked photos of themselves, for 92.7%.

Practices that 73.7% of the population considers very/fairly widespread in Spain. Although men (64.2%) had a lower percentage than women (82.7%). And where the age group of 18 to 24 years is the one that thinks they are most widespread (81.9%).

They are also perceived as unacceptable behaviors and must always be punished by law, among others: deliberately giving alcohol or drugs to a woman, without her knowing, in order to have sexual relations with her, for 98.3%; touching a woman in an unwanted way, for 88.2%; forcing the couple to have unwanted sexual relations, for 76%; or kissing a woman against her will, for 68.9%.

Sexual harassment in the workplace

98.8% classify pressure to obtain sexual favors in exchange for job improvements or under threat of dismissal as sexual harassment. 97.5%, touching, pinching and cornering. 94.5%, unwanted hugs and kisses. 80.3% made offensive compliments. 75.9% repeatedly ask for sexual relations, even without pressure or threats. And 73.6% made insulting jokes or jokes about a worker.

Many women who are subjected to sexual assault do not report it

59.6% of Spaniards believe that women who suffer sexual assault rarely report it. The age groups with the highest percentage are: 65 to 74 years (65.7%) and 18 to 24 years (64.5%). At the same time, they consider that the main reason why women do not report is "out of fear of the aggressor" (45.1%) , 15.7% "out of shame" and, in third place, 14.5% "for fear that they won't believe her."

These and other data are collected in the survey on sexual violence against women that was carried out from January 20 to 25 . It is available to all media on the website of the Center for Sociological Research (www.cis.es).

For any questions, the Communication telephone number is 91 580 76 25/ 664 470 083.

Esta información puede ser usada en parte o en su integridad sin necesidad de citar fuentes.

C/ Montalbán, 8
28014 Madrid
Email: comunicacion@cis.es
Tlf.: 91.580.76.25
Fax: 91.531.81.31

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