The Parlimag Poll: MEP personal safety

FEAR FOR PERSONAL SAFETY

Although the majority of MEPs (58%) had not feared for their safety since becoming an MEP, the remainder had. This fear was more prevalent among female MEPs, with 50% fearing for their safety, compared to 33% among males.

DEATH THREATS

A staggering 33% of MEPs have received a death threat. The number of female MEPs receiving such threats was significantly higher at 39%.

THREATS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Of the MEPs polled, 23% had received a threat of sexual violence. Disturbingly, female MEPs were NINE times more likely to have received such a threat (44% versus 5% among male MEPs).

POLICE INTERVENTION

Over a third of MEPs (36%) have contacted the police following a threat to them, their staff, or family. The rate was higher for female MEPs (39% versus 30% for male MEPs).

Although the vast majority of MEPs (87%) have not had to seek police protection because of threats, just over one in ten have had to seek such protection. Again, this is higher among female MEPs (17%) than among males (10%).