Workplace Sexual Harassment of Women with Disabilities

A new poll has found that almost half of American women with disabilities have experienced sexual harassment or assault in the workplace. The poll, conducted by 19th News and Survey Monkey, is among the first of its kind.

The online survey collected responses in August 2023 from over 20,000 adults. 48% of women with disabilities reported that they had experienced sexual assault or harassment in the workplace. 32% of women without disabilities reported such experiences, as did 23% of men with disabilities, and 11% of men without disabilities.

Growing research studies the "silent epidemic" of sexual violence against people with disabilities. But there are very few studies of these experiences in the workplace. The new poll has limitations as well. Its online format was probably not accessible to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And there were not enough nonbinary respondents to compare the experiences of nonbinary people with and without disabilities.

The 19th article about the poll highlights activism to improve the workplace experiences of people with disabilities. After her personal experience of sexual harassment at work, Stephanie Woodward created the Disability EmpowerHer Network. Woodward notes how sexual harassment can exclude women with disabilities from leadership. The Network provides training and support to promote leadership in girls and women with disabilities.

Women with disabilities have a lot of barriers just to get into the workforce. So many keep their heads down while there, because they’re afraid to lose the position they’re currently in. I think sexual harassment against women with disabilities is pervasive.

SOURCE: The 19th News • AUTHOR: Sara Luterman • LAST UPDATED: September 20, 2023