Sexual harassment policies in K-12 schools: examining accessibility to students and content

Background: Peer sexual harassment is a significant social problem with consequences for both students and schools. Four out of 5 students report experiencing sexual harassment. These experiences have been linked to poor psychological health and academic withdrawal. Recognizing the seriousness of sexual harassment in schools, Supreme Court rulings have established school liability for known instances of sexual harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Federal guidelines established by the Office for Civil Rights of the US Department of Education mandate schools to develop sexual harassment policies; however, the implementation of these guidelines has not been examined. Therefore, this study assessed the degree to which sexual harassment policies in primary and secondary schools adhered to said guidelines. Methods: This study evaluated 784 primary and secondary school sexual harassment policies across 4 states on 3 key factors: accessibility to students (ie, via the Internet), consistency with federal guidelines regarding their content and the inclusion of 10 key components, and consistency of content across educational levels. Results: Only 14% of sexual harassment policies were available online; the majority of policies incorporated only 5 of the 10 critical components, and elementary school policies contained significantly fewer components than all other educational levels. Conclusions: The Internet is an underused resource for disseminating school sexual harassment policies to students. When policies are available, they rarely incorporate the key elements specified in the federal guidelines. Particularly troubling are the inaccessibility and incompleteness of elementary school policies. Greater attention to policy accessibility and comprehensiveness is needed.     

秦巴山区高年级小学生性骚扰/性侵犯认知状况及应对方式调查

目的　调查秦巴山区高年级小学生性骚扰/性侵犯发生率、认知现状及应对方式,为制定科学合理的性教育措施提供依据。方法　2017年11~12月,采用分层整群抽样方法,选取秦巴山区3个县9个乡10所小学的 5～6 年级学生960人进行问卷调查,对结果进行统计分析。结果　49.3%的学生知道性骚扰和性侵犯;9.9%学生曾经历过性骚扰/性侵犯,共计95起;在95起性骚扰/性侵犯中,8.4%的实施者是陌生人,30.5%的实施者是同学或朋友,17.9%的实施者是恋人,12.6%的实施者是邻居,15.8%的实施者是其他人;在95起性骚扰/性侵犯中,29.5%选择拒绝或反抗,4.2%选择大声呼叫,25.3%选择赶快跑开,11.6%选择沉默而不敢反抗,10.5%选择告诉大人、老师等,8.4%选择听之任之,4.2%选没觉得不正常或不好,6.3%选择了其他。结论　秦巴山区农村高年级小学生的性骚扰/性侵犯发生率较高,部分学生缺乏认知及自我保护意识,且面临性骚扰/性侵犯时无法采取正确的应对方式。应重视家庭和学校的预防性骚扰/性侵犯教育,关注农村留守儿童,加强学生性自我保护能力。     

Sexual Coercion Content in 21 Sexuality Education Curricula

ABSTRACT: Sexual coercion, a topic of relevance to school health personnel, may be as common in high school populations as in university populations. Twenty-one sexuality education curricula were examined for information on the topics of date rape, stranger rape, pressure, incest, sexual harassment, unwanted/inappropriate touch, and exploitation/victimization. Curricula scoring highest in total coverage also were the most comprehensive with six of the seven sexual coercion topics covered. Overall, pressure and exploitation/victimization received the greatest attention, while sexual harassment was not covered in any of the curricula. Common themes occurring within the coercion topic areas included guilt, communication/assertiveness skills, blame, drug use, premeditation, fear, sources of help. Results suggest sexuality education curricula have not responded to the increased concern regarding sexual harassment in schools. (J Sch Health. 1998;68(9):370–375)     

Sexual harassment of Chinese college students

Sexual harassment of Chinese college students with a focus on their awareness, experiences, responses, and expectations of institutional intervention to the problem was examined. 358 male and 491 female Chinese college students in Hong Kong participated. There were no gender differences in students' awareness of the phenomenon. Students' own experiences were less frequent than what they had heard about sexual harassment. Peer harassment occurred twice as frequently as faculty harassment. Compared to men, twice as many women said they had been sexually harassed. About one in four women students experienced various forms of sexual harassment and 1% were coerced into sexual activities during their college years by either teachers or peers. Students typically avoided and ignored the harassers and felt that the university should take up active roles in combating the problem. Comparisons with U.S. studies suggested that Chinese college students had a lower awareness and experience level in sexual harassment than U.S. students.     

Child sexual abuse prevention programs in Texas public elementary schools

This survey determined if selected Texas public school districts provided an established child sexual abuse prevention program for elementary schools. The survey examined the type of program being implemented, training available for faculty and staff type of evaluation used, involvement of local agencies, and type of funding sources. Survey data were obtained from a nonrandomized sample of 89 largest public school districts in Texas, all recording an average daily attendance over 5,000. Fifty-eight of the 89 districts addressed child sexual abuse as a formal prevention program or as an awareness program. Training for child sexual abuse prevention program presenters was offered in 89% of districts. Consistent, effective evaluation was minimal. Funding for prevention programs was limited or unknown. Results confirmed the need for consistent, effective child sexual abuse prevention programs in elementary schools.     

Sexual harassment in the workplace: guidelines for educating healthcare managers

Actionable sexual harassment is defined as a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In recent years, there have been a number of significant developments in sexual harassment case law and litigation including: (1) nationwide legal recognition for same-sex sexual harassment; (2) increased standards on employer liability for sexual harassment perpetrated by supervisory and managerial personnel; and (3) guidelines for mitigating damages when employers are found liable. These developments are of particular concern in those professions such as healthcare in which women historically have been represented as a significant portion of the workforce. Moreover, because management and supervisory relationships in healthcare are often cloudy, harassment by "supervisors" in healthcare settings can be an issue of special concern. In this article, we review relevant issues related to sexual harassment and provide guidance in dealing with the issue in the workplace.     

广州大学生校园性骚扰发生现况

目的 了解广州高校大学生校园性骚扰的发生情况及流行特征,为预防校园性骚扰提供理论依据.方法 采用自制问卷对整群抽取的1 062名广州高校学生校园性骚扰发生情况进行调查,学生均自愿、匿名参与调查.结果 有169名学生报告曾遭遇校园性骚扰,报告率为15.91％,女生报告率(20.30％)高于男生(10.20％)(x2=19...     

Sexual harassment during clinical clerkships in Dutch medical schools

Context  Sexual harassment of medical students has been the focus of many international studies. Prevalence rates from 18% to over 60% have been reported. However, a Dutch study at Nijmegen Medical School found the prevalence rate to be lower (13.3% in the total group; 20% among female students only).
Objectives  We aimed to identify whether Nijmegen constitutes a positive sample of Dutch medical schools or whether incidents of sexual harassment are less prevalent in the Netherlands than elsewhere, and to establish if and how these experiences impact the professional lives of students.
Methods  Students received a semi-structured questionnaire containing questions about their experiences of sexual harassment during clerkships. The questions referred to students' reactions to any incidents, the possible consequences for their wellbeing or professional functioning and the way cases of sexual harassment were handled.
Results  The prevalence of sexual harassment was significantly higher in Utrecht than in Nijmegen. In both studies rates were relatively low compared with international data. Nevertheless, 1 in 3–5 Dutch female medical students had experienced unwelcome sexual attention from patients, colleagues or supervisors. Three of 10 students who had experienced such an incident stated that it had a negative impact on their functioning afterwards.
Conclusions  Prevalence rates of sexual harassment in medical schools in the Netherlands are low compared with international rates. However, the number of women students who experience sexual harassment is still 1 in 3–5. The occurrence of and ways to deal with these incidents should be important topics in the training of medical students and supervisors.     

Implementation of a School‐Based State Policy to Increase Physical Activity*

Background: In 2005, the North Carolina State Board of Education updated the Healthy Active Children Policy to include a requirement that all kindergarten through eighth‐grade children receive at least 30 minutes of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity each school day through physical education, recess, and other creative approaches. This study describes how districts are meeting the physical activity‐related portion of this policy and explores the policy implementation successes and challenges. Methods: An online survey was conducted in summer 2007 in all school districts in the state (response rate 106/111; 95.5%). Respondents were asked to describe the implementation successes and challenges associated with including 30 minutes of physical activity in the school day. Answers were double coded, checked, and grouped into themes. Results: The physical activity requirement was most often met through recess, physical education, classroom Energizers, and intramural sports. School districts reported numerous positive effects of the policy in elementary and middle schools. Benefits included increased student focus on studies, physical activity participation, awareness of healthy habits, alertness and enjoyment, and higher staff involvement. Implementation challenges to the policy included lack of time in the school day, teacher participation, and concerns about academics. Conclusions: School districts reported that implementation of the policy produced many positive results for students and staff. Addressing several implementation challenges common across school districts would strengthen the ongoing success of the policy.     

Perceptions of sexual harassment in Swedish high schools: experiences and school-environment problems

BACKGROUND: Sexual harassment in schools is recognized as a public-health problem detrimental to girls' psychosomatic health. This study examines the magnitude of sexual harassment and types of behaviours related to sexual harassment that female students are exposed to in a school environment, and their perceptions of them as problems in school. METHOD: A random sample of 540 female high school students, from all over Sweden, responded to an anonymous self-report mail questionnaire consisting of items related to personal experiences of different behaviours related to sexual harassment during the previous school year. RESULTS: Sexual harassment was identified by 49% of the female students as a problem present in their schools. The most common types were verbal behaviours, such as: sexualized conversations, attractiveness rating, demeaning comments about gender, name-calling, and sexual personal comments. The most common non-verbal displays were: sexualized contact seeking and sexual looks. Behaviours in the sexual assault and teacher-to-student categories were less prevalent. In all four categories, the respondents who reported exposure to a particular behaviour were significantly more likely to identify that behaviour as a problem in their school. However, many non-exposed respondents also perceived such behaviours as problems in their school. CONCLUSIONS: Female high-school students in Sweden are exposed to a variety of inappropriate and/or unacceptable behaviours of a sexual nature, or based on sex, that may infringe their right to a supportive, respectful and safe learning environment or their dignity. Greater efforts are needed to analyse and prevent sexual harassment in schools.     

上海市职业高中学生性生殖健康认知与需求调查

目的:了解上海市职业高中学生性与生殖健康认知现状与需求。方法:全市范围随机选择7个区县,每个区县2所职业高中,每个学校2个班,采用统一的调查问卷进行调研。结果:①职校学生性生殖健康知识知晓率较低,66.2%的同学不知道少女妊娠的危害性。②性观念和态度较开放:38.9%同学认为只要愿意就可以发生性行为,38.8%的学生谈过恋爱。③性安全意识淡薄:首次性行为未采取避孕措施的有60.5%,以后坚持使用避孕的仅27.8%。④性与生殖保健需求:最希望得到的服务是心理咨询(62.9%)、性生理保健咨询和指导(62.6%),性病预防和治疗(37.3%)。希望通过医务人员、广播电视和网络途径了解性与生殖保健知识。结论:由于职校学生是性教育的重点人群,需从教育体系上加以保证,教育内容上有所侧重,采取形式多样的健康教育手段。     

哈尔滨市家庭性健康教育现况及其对策的研究

目的了解哈尔滨市家庭性健康教育的现状及存在的问题,为有针对性地开展家庭性健康教育提供科学依据。方法通过分层抽样的方法,对哈尔滨市4个地区1181名家长对孩子家庭性教育的态度、行为等进行问卷调查。结果对于开展家庭性教育有86.6%家长认为有必要,有初中生的最高(92.7%);支持学校开课的,以有初中生的最高(91.6%);初中以下文化程度的家长有意识学习相关知识的比例最低,为52.8%;有初中女生的家长告诉过自我保护的比例最高(94.5%);有初中生、健康爱好的家长认为自己胜任教育的比例分别为54.3%和50.1%;幼儿园孩子的家长最低,为39.4%。结论哈尔滨市家长对性教育态度积极,但应重点加强对有不良嗜好、文化水平低、有幼儿园孩子的家庭性教育意识的提高和知识普及,有初中生的家长急需提高处理实际问题的能力。     

Sexual harassment at work: issues and answers for health care administrators

Sexual harassment is not new to the health care industry. What is new is that recent media attention has heightened awareness that sexual harassment is illegal. This fact, coupled with the substantial liability that employers may incur if they fail to control sexual harassment, mandates the need for outlining the major issues relative to sexual harassment in today's health care setting. This article gives particular emphasis to the fact that sexual harassment can be prevented by taking a proactive stance.     

Healthy and safe school environment, Part II, Physical school environment: results from the School Health Policies and Programs Study 2006

BACKGROUND: As society continues to focus on the importance of academic achievement, the physical environment of schools should be addressed as 1 of the critical factors that influence academic outcomes. The School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) 2006 provides, for the first time, a comprehensive look at the extent to which schools have health-promoting physical school environment policies and programs. METHODS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducts the SHPPS every 6 years. In 2006, computer-assisted telephone interviews or self-administered mail questionnaires were completed by state education agency personnel in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and among a nationally representative sample of school districts (n=424). Computer-assisted personal interviews were conducted with personnel in a nationally representative sample of elementary, middle, and high schools (n=992). RESULTS: One third (35.4%) of districts and 51.4% of schools had an indoor air quality management program; 35.3% of districts had a school bus engine-idling reduction program; most districts and schools had a policy or plan for how to use, label, store, dispose of, and reduce the use of hazardous materials; 24.5% of states required districts or schools to follow an integrated pest management program; and 13.4% of districts had a policy to include green design when building new school buildings or renovating existing buildings. CONCLUSIONS: SHPPS 2006 results can guide education and health agency actions in developing and implementing evidence-based tools, policies, programs, and interventions to ensure a safe and healthy physical school environment.     

Sexual harassment: how should management handle it?

Sexual harassment is against the law and can place health care facilities at substantial risk in lawsuits as well as disrupt their caring and professional atmosphere. In some cases, health care facilities are held responsible for nonemployees' harassment of employees, as well as for harassment by employees. In addition, if an employee receives benefits such as a promotion in exchange for sexual favors, the organization may be liable for discrimination against persons who did not receive such benefits. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has established guidelines for identifying and redressing instances of sexual harassment. They instruct health care facilities to issue a policy statement explaining to employees the institution's opposition to sexual harassment and outlining procedures for lodging a complaint. It is strongly recommended that health care facilities: Investigate complaints thoroughly, tactfully, and evenhandedly. Establish a progressive discipline schedule and administer it consistently to all employees. Document the investigatory and decision making process.     

Prevalence of Physical,Verbal and Nonverbal Sexual Harassments and Their Association with Psychological Distress among Jimma University Female Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

A number of studies conducted on sexual harassment focused on general magnitude rather than specific details of the various forms of sexual harassment and their effect on psychological health. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence rates of the various forms of sexual harassments and their associations with psychological distress among Jimma University female students.

Methods

Three hundred and eighty five (385) female participants were selected from all colleges using stratified and systematic sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire consisting of items on the various forms of sexual harassment and psychological distress was administered.

Result

The prevalence rates of physical, verbal and nonverbal sexual harassments were 78.2%, 90.4% and 80.0%, respectively, while the prevalence rate of psychological distress among students who had experienced sexual harassment was 63.0%. The multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated that students who were physically [adjusted OR = 3.950, 95% CI = (1.979, 7.884)] and nonverbally [(adjusted OR = 12.099, 95% CI= (5.190, 28.205] harassed were 4 and 12 times more likely to experience psychological distress, respectively, adjusted for all other variables.

Conclusion

The prevalence of various forms of sexual harassment were higher and strongly associated with psychological distress. Important implications for University officials and policy makers including creating harassment free University have been drawn. Otherwise, female students tend to dropout and their academic achievements suffer a lot as a result of psychological distress; and the government''s effort for realizing the gender parity in education would be compromised.     

‘Nobody teases good girls’: A qualitative study on perceptions of sexual harassment among young men in a slum of Mumbai

Young adulthood is a key period in which gender norms are solidified. As a result, young women are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence. In Delhi, over 90% of women have ever experienced sexual violence in public spaces. Sexual harassment of girls and women in public spaces is commonly named ‘eve teasing’ in India. Experience of sexual harassment in public spaces has been found to be associated with restricted mobility, interrupted education, and early age at marriage. Little is known about men’s perspectives on eve teasing and how they believe it affects women and girls. This study fills that gap through qualitative research to explore the attitudes and perceptions of adolescent boys and young men on this topic. Ten focus group discussions were conducted in two slum communities in Mumbai. Coding and thematic analysis were performed. We identified themes of acceptance of harassment, weak sanctions, traditional gender norms supportive of harassment, and ideologies of male sexual entitlement. Many of the perceived risk and protective factors for sexual harassment in public spaces are operationalised at the community level. Community mobilisation is necessary in designing interventions focused on the primary and secondary prevention of sexual harassment.     

Sexual harassment of female nurses in a hospital in Turkey.

Sexual harassment has been identified as a universal factor that can affect nursing performance and work productivity in any type of health care facility. Few studies in the area of sexual harassment have been conducted in developing countries, and this is the first study of its type to be conducted in the country of Turkey. The general purpose of this study is to examine whether the problem of sexual harassment truly is "universal' and to begin to address whether it exists among female nurses in Turkey. Translated surveys were distributed to selected nurses in Ankara, Turkey, asking about their experiences of sexual harassment during their nursing practice. With a response rate of 58% (n = 229), 75% of the respondents reported having been sexually harassed during their nursing practice. The most commonly reported forms of sexual harassment included sexual testing, jokes, remarks or questions and pressure for dates. Harassment by physicians (44%), by patients (34%), by relatives of patients (14%) and others (9%) were noted. Further, a significant relationship was found between sexual harassment of nurses who work in inpatient or outpatient clinics. In general, these findings suggest that sexual harassment of female nurses remains a disturbing problem in this developing country. Based on the findings, implications for policy and further study are suggested.     

Worker with AIDS was regarded as disabled under ADA

A court found that Wal-Mart legitimately fired an employee with AIDS, because the employee violated the store's policy against sexual harassment. In Monroe v. Wal-Mart Stores, Curtis E. Monroe sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), claiming Wal-Mart had fired him due to his HIV status. The court ruled on the sexual harassment issue first, and finding it legitimate, considered the ADA claim irrelevant. Even though the ADA claim was irrelevant, the presiding magistrate addressed the disability claim by concluding that Monroe was disabled, not because he has AIDS, but because the store manager considers him to be disabled.