It’s office Christmas party season, and while the worry should be limited to questionable buffet food and awkward ice-breakers for too many women, work parties mean fending off unwanted advances. December is a high-risk month for sexual harassment, and women are up to three times more likely to experience it. For many women, what should be a fun, if at times socially awkward, celebration can become a minefield of unwanted advances and harassment. As workplace culture and laws evolve, it’s more important than ever to know your rights.
Recent research shows the issue of workplace harassment remains alarmingly widespread. A 2025 report from University College London (UCL) found that nearly 1 in 7 UK workers experienced some form of workplace abuse over the past year, with women and LGBTQ+ employees disproportionately affected.
