NCJ Number
209783
Journal
Journal of Emotional Abuse Volume: 4 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2004 Pages: 177-196
Date Published
2004
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study examined the prevalence and impact of adult-student sexual harassment in British Columbia high schools.
Abstract
American and Canadian law both recognize sexual harassment as a form of sexual discrimination. While the Supreme Court in Canada has specifically addressed sexual harassment in the workplace, it has not heard cases in which students have brought suits against school districts. This study sought to examine the prevalence rates of adult-student sexual harassment in British Columbia high schools and the effects of those behaviors, while addressing problems associated with previous adult-student sexual harassment research. Participants in the study consisted of 373 completed and returned surveys with participants ranging mostly from 18 to 21. Nearly half of the students surveyed reported that they had experienced at least one behavior that was listed on the High School Experience Questionnaire (HSEQ). Of those, 79.1 percent reported being upset by one or more experiences. The rates of high school adult-student sexual harassment were substantially greater than those found in previous studies conducted in the United States. There was no significant difference in the proportion of male and female students that had experienced one or more of the listed behaviors. However, unexpectedly, school socioeconomic status and school type did not relate to prevalence of sexual harassment, thereby contradicting stereotypes. The data also suggest that many incidents of sexual harassment go unreported. It is recommended that students be educated about sexual harassment so that more students may come forward. References