London (CNN) Sexism, harassment and violence against women are widespread in European parliaments, according to a study published Tuesday.

The findings in the study by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe are based on interviews with 123 women -- 81 MPs and 42 parliamentary staff members -- from 45 European countries. While the sample size was relatively small, the findings offer a snapshot into a work culture involving threats of violence, psychological harassment and sexual harassment, among other offenses.

Of the women interviewed, 47% said they had received threats of death, rape or beating and 68% said they had been the target of sexist comments relating to their appearance and gender stereotypes, while 25% said they had experienced sexual violence.

Some 85% of female MPs surveyed said they had suffered psychological violence in parliament.

The study pointed out that the majority of parliaments didn't have mechanisms for women to speak out.

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