Harassment a Problem, German Women Say

BONN — More than two-thirds of German women say they are regularly harassed sexually at work, but nearly half their male colleagues do not think their behavior is offensive, a survey said Monday.

Sixty-eight percent of the women questioned by Freundin women’s magazine said they suffered regular harassment, including bottom pinching, being kissed against their will and having their breasts grabbed.

Forty-four percent of the men questioned said they did not believe their female colleagues regarded their behavior as harassment.

Sexual harassment is a crime in Germany, carrying up to 10 years’ imprisonment or a heavy fine. But few women ever complain or go to court, the survey said.