A new nationwide survey in Greece highlights the deep sense of insecurity many women feel when moving around at night, despite growing public debate on gender-based violence. The study, conducted for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, shows that women consistently experience far higher levels of fear than men during evening outings.
The research, carried out by FocusBari in collaboration with the Public Power Corporation (PPC) and communication agency DDB, underscores how gender shapes perceptions of safety. Men also acknowledge this reality, with most respondents agreeing that women face significantly greater threats when walking at night.
The findings reveal stark differences between the experiences of women and men. Women report taking numerous precautionary measures, modifying their routines, and often restricting their movements to feel safe—behaviors especially common among younger women aged 18 to 34.
Key survey findings
- 84% of women say they feel afraid when going out at night. Beyond the fear of robbery—shared with men—women often worry about being followed (57%) or harassed (36%) because of their gender.
- 59% have personally experienced, or know someone who has experienced, a threatening incident during a night out. Among women aged 18 to 24, this figure rises to 80%.
- Women rate their sense of safety at 3.1/5, compared with 3.8/5 for men. Young women aged 18–24 feel the least safe, at 2.7/5.
- 53% of women say fear significantly influences their choices for evening outings, while 82% regularly change their behavior due to safety concerns.
- A striking 96% of all respondents—men and women—agree that women have more reasons to fear for their safety at night.
Many women report checking repeatedly to see if someone is following them. Nearly half (46%) say they speak or pretend to speak on the phone to feel safer, a practice used by 66% of women aged 18–24. Others adjust their walking pace or route: 29% start running to reach their destination faster, and 28% choose to walk in the middle of the street to avoid dark or isolated areas.
Sofia Dimtsa, Chief Corporate Affairs & Communications Officer PPC Group, noted that nightlife should be a time of enjoyment and freedom for everyone. “However, this year’s survey shows that for many women it is accompanied by fear, anxiety and constant vigilance,” she said. PPC’s aim, she added, is to bring attention to a reality that is often normalized and to strengthen awareness and shared responsibility in combating gender-based violence. Through partnerships with organizations and institutions, she emphasized, PPC continues to support initiatives that promote respect and equality for all.
