Results of our studies

IN BRIEF

Two-thirds of men and four-fifth of women consider violence against women as important problem.

MOSCOW, December 11, 2018. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the data of a study devoted to how often Russian women are exposed to different types of violence.

According to half of respondents (49%), most of women in Russia are exposed to obscene comments and dirty jokes (64% among the 18-24-year-olds). A further 47% say that women often have to deal with put-downs (61% among those aged 18-24 and 55% of female respondents).

The survey shows that 36% of Russians consider that women experience discrimination very frequently. Most of those who think so are 43% of women and 27% of men. One-third of respondents (32%) are confident that Russian women often experience physical violence (non-sexual abuse). The surveyed women themselves (38%) mention this more often than male respondents (25%). Sexual coercion and sexual abuse are less frequent than the above-mentioned problems (24% and 25, respectively).

Every second respondent (49%) believes that women are more likely to become victims of violence or abuse in calm or empty places. Domestic violence is mentioned as a threat by 38% of respondents; remarkably, this share is 49% among women. Every fifth (21%) thinks that this situation is more likely to happen online (25% among men). Eleven percent of respondents consider that violence at work threatens women more frequently than abuse in educational institute ions (8%).  

Seventy-three percent of respondents recognize that violence against women is a big problem. Female respondents (78%) and young people aged 18-24 (83%) are more likely to consider this issue important. They are opposed by 18%, basically men (24%) and persons aged 45-59 (22%)

The VCIOM-Sputnik survey was conducted on December 4, 2018. The survey involved 1,600 Russians aged 18 and over. The survey was telephone-based and was carried out using stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of landline and mobile phone numbers operating in Russia. 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 in question wording and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.

 

In your opinion, do the women in Russia often or rarely face the following situations?

 (closed-ended question, one answer per each line, % of total respondents)

 

Very rarely, almost never

Likely rarely

Likely often

Very often 

Don’t know

Obscenities, outrageous comments, dirty jokes

12

31

34

15

8

Put-downs

14

32

34

13

7

Discrimination

17

37

25

11

10

Sexual coercion

18

37

20

4

21

Sexual violence

17

39

21

4

19

Non-sexual physical violence

17

39

25

7

12

  

In your opinion, in what situations/places are women more likely to become a victim of violence or abuse (not only sexual abuse)? (closed-ended question, up to 2 answers, % of total respondents)

 

Total respondents

Men

Women

In less crowded, quiet places

49

50

48

In a family

38

25

49

Online  

21

25

18

At work

11

11

11

Educational institution (university, college, etc.)

8

9

8

Clubs, discos, bars

4

5

3

Any places 

3

2

3

Metro, public transport

2

1

2

Major events, concerts

2

2

1

Rallies , demonstrations

1

1

1

Parks, in shelterbelts

1

1

1

Malls, shops

1

0

1

In the street

1

1

1

Other

5

5

5

Don’t know

10

12

8

  

In your opinion, is violence against women (un)likely an important problem for Russia? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total respondents

Men

Women

Aged 18-24

Aged   25-34

Aged   35-44

Aged   45-59

Aged   60 and over

Likely to be an important problem

73

65

79

83

82

69

69

70

Unlikely to be an important problem

18

24

14

16

12

20

22

19

I did not think about it; I did not know such problem exists

5

5

5

1

4

7

5

6

Don’t know

4

6

2

0

2

4

4

5

 

Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory!

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