https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn33nkx7nr5o
'There must be “a fierce zero tolerance for sexual harassment and abuse” in Westminster, former MP Harriet Harman has said.
In a BBC News interview, she said women working in Parliament were being “exploited and abused” and the general election was an opportunity for a new generation of MPs to make a cultural change. She also called on more men to speak out if they witness abuse.
Her comments come after damning allegations have been made about the behaviour of some MPs in recent months, with several suspended.'
...
'She also called for a women’s caucus made up of female MPs from across the House to support alleged victims when they make complaints.
“We need them to formally come together so when a woman speaks out about a senior man in her own party she is not left vulnerable, but backed up,” she said.
The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) investigates complaints about inappropriate behaviour in Westminster.
It looks into allegations of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, and provides advice to complainants.
It was created in 2018 to give victims somewhere to take their complaints.
In its last annual report, the ICGS said there had been 31 investigations over the previous year – with seven cases upheld.'