Poll: Most think recent attention to sexual harassment will create lasting change

Roughly six in 10 Americans think that the recent emergence of sexual misconduct allegations against powerful men is likely to create lasting change in the way such issues are addressed, according to a new ABC News/Washington Post poll. 

According to the survey, 62 percent said they believe that the recent controversies surrounding sexual misconduct will change how such behavior is dealt with in the U.S.

By comparison, only 32 percent said they think little will change.

The number of Americans who view sexual harassment of women in the workplace as a problem has risen, with 83 percent saying so, according to the poll. Among those respondents, 72 percent called it a “serious” problem.

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That number represents an 8-point rise since sexual misconduct allegations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein prompted numerous women to come forward with their own experiences of sexual harassment. 

According to the survey, 63 percent of respondents said that attention to the matter has either been “about right” — 34 percent — or “has not gone far enough” — 29 percent. 

By comparison, only about half as many respondents — 32 percent — said that attention to the matter has “gone too far.”

While majorities of Democrats, independents and Republicans see sexual harassment in the workplace as a problem, party identification appears to be tied to that perception.

Ninety-two percent of Democrats believe workplace harassment is a problem, according to the survey, compared to 74 percent of Republicans and 83 percent of independents.

The poll is based on interviews with 1,005 adults conducted from Jan. 15-18. The margin of error is 3.5 percentage points.