The stereotype for scientists, engineers, and techie types is that we're shy, introverted, socially awkward. Guess what, it became a stereotype because there is such a large element of truth to it. Will we talk and joke with each other? Sure, plenty, and as my non-techie friends/family have let me know, most other people don't get our jokes. But when it comes to "real world" interactions, especially with the opposite sex, we revert to type. It is a stereotype and I own it. I have consciously worked to overcome it, but I see it in my friends and coworkers every single day.
This group of people, with these demographics and characteristics are just not the kinds of people who act out, who are that forward or forceful with the opposite sex. This 26% number, one quarter, really? Run the numbers people. Given the number of people in the various STEM fields if this were really happening the courts would be overflowing and every tech company would be continually in court or dealing with cases.
Personally, in 35 years, with 15+ in leadership positions I have had to deal with a "sexual harassment" issue exactly one time. Once. That wasn't even an intentional harassment. A male subordinate of mine spoke to a female coworker a little too frankly and openly about her pregnancy. He wasn't getting off on it, he had no idea he was making her uncomfortable. If anyone is familiar with the Sheldon character on "Big Bang Theory" that was just about exactly what this was. That was it, in 35 years, with hundreds of male and female coworkers. If the 26% number was anywhere close to realistic I'd have had to deal with a dozen or more issues.
I’ve never seen it as a man in the field but have gotten very close to many females.
It does seem to eventually happen to every attractive co-worker but only in situations where nobody can see or prove anything. Engineers aren’t dumb after all
I’ve never heard of straight up rape but groping, holding and/or sticking hands down clothes does happen.
A small percentage of men are assholes and eventually a lady in our open society will end up alone with one. I tell them to never be alone around someone they aren’t familiar with. That’s good advice anywhere, not just in STEM. It’s just like not walking the streets with a pack of $100s hanging out.
While there are jerks and predators in all fields, I’m more interested in the confusion of sexual harassment with the actions of those who are socially awkward or poorly socialized. The vast majority of STEM majors I’ve met are normal (although a lot of engineers I know have a lust for life), but I’ve met a lot who get very focused in their work precisely because they were uncomfortable around people. I can easily see someone with an agenda taking that behavior as some kind of harassment rather than the awkwardness it is.