MPs are investigating the sexual harassment of females in public places

MPs are launching a probe into the “routine” sexual harassment women and girls are suffering in public places.

Following this weekend’s allegations against top fashion photographers Mario Testino and Bruce Weber, sexual harassment cases continue to hit headlines.

When news of the Harvey Weinstein scandal first broke, the #MeToo movement aimed to throw a light on the extent of the problem, highlighting just how many have been affected across the globe.

Within seconds of the #metoo call to arms by actress Alyssa Milano, thousands had opened up about their own experiences of sexual harassment and assault.

The extent of the problem was also revealed in a new BBC survey which found that one in 10 women have been sexually assaulted at work.

Just like a previous TUC survey, the poll found that half of British women had been sexually harassed either at work or at a place of study.

So now, under an inquiry lead by MPs, there is to be deep delve into the sexual harassment of women and girls in public spaces, such as schools and workplaces.

The Women and Equalities committee’s investigation aims to continue to shine a spotlight “on a problem that seems to be so routine in women’s lives”, yet often absent in public policy, chair Maria Miller revealed.

She went on to say that she hoped the inquiry would help identify steps the government could take to tackle the issue.

A YouGov survey published last year, revealed 85% of women aged 18-24 had experienced unwanted sexual attention in public places and 45% have experienced unwanted sexual touching.

According to the BBC, Maria Miller hopes to find out why it happens, whether the problem is getting worse and what can be done to prevent it.

“We know that sexual harassment can be experienced by anyone, but the evidence shows that it is overwhelmingly a problem that is perpetrated by men and boys against women and girls and forms part of the wider inequalities that women and girls experience – which is why we are focusing on this,” Mrs Miller said.

“Women and girls are harassed on buses, trains, in the street and in bars and clubs.

“We are putting a spotlight on a problem that seems to be so routine in women’s lives, and yet has received very little attention in public policy.”

The committee is asking for written submissions online until March 5 and Twitter users can follow the inquiry using #StreetHarassment.

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Read more from Yahoo Style UK:

What to do if you’re experiencing sexual harassment at work

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Women share stories of sexual harassment in the workplace following Harvey Weinstein allegations