A new survey highlights the shocking reality for NHS surgical staff, with nearly one in three women reporting having been sexually assaulted by fellow colleagues, according to a significant analysis of NHS staff.

The study, published in the British Journal of Surgery (BJS), looked at unprofessional sexual behaviour in the past five years among UK surgical employees. The survey found that 63% of women and 23% of men had been sexually harassed by their colleagues. Of those who were surveyed, 29.9% of women shared that they’d been sexually assaulted at work.

Colleagues reported being groped, raped or touched on their genitals or breasts. Additionally, the survey showed that 11% of women reported “experiencing forced physical contact linked to career opportunities”.

As well as this, the report found that although women were a minority in surgery, they were more likely to experience sexual assault (89.5%) than their male colleagues.

Female surgeons are speaking up about sexual abuse in the NHS