Sexual Harassment and Sextortion in Universities as an Actual Scientific Problem (original) (raw)
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Sexual Harassment Phenomena among Female Students at Mansoura University
IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science, 2017
Background: Sexual harassment is considered to be a hot zone where the harassed still view it a taboo. This is due to community environment, norms, culture, and values. The present study aimed to explore sexual harassment phenomena among female students at Mansoura University. Study design: An exploratory descriptive design was used in the conduction of the study. The study setting: was carried out in different 17 faculties at Mansoura University, Egypt. Study subjects: A total 1070 female students from various faculties were selected by convenient sample technique. Tools of data collection: A structured interviewing questionnaire was designed by the researcher. It consisted of 2 parts; part one to assess general characteristics and second part consisted of questions related to exposure to sexual harassment, types, common places, response of the female and the recommended solution from the students' point of view etc. Results: Showed that more than one third of female exposed to sexual harassment in the first semester of academic year either verbal harassment (100%) or physical harassment (35.2%). The public transportation was the most prominent place (84.5%). Female student suffered from inability to study (58.6%) and psychological effect as fear and anxiety (93.4%). The students recommended solution to solve the problem as put strict laws for harassers (39.1%), give interest to religious education in schools and universities (38.8%) and wearing baggy clothes (35.6%). Conclusion: The sexual harassment was widespread problem among female that need community coordination with all sectors for eradicate it.
The concept of sexual harassment, in its modern understanding, is a relatively new one, dating from the 1970s onwards; although other related concepts have existed prior to this in many cultures. “Sexual Harassment” means behavior, including physical contact, advances, and comments in person, through an intermediary, and/or via phone, text message, email, social media, or other electronic medium, that is unwelcome; based on sex or gender stereotypes; and is so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a person’s academic performance, employment or equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from college or University programs or activities or by creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or educational environment. Students at academic institutions often sexually harass others by calling them “fag,” “homo,” “Hey, babe,” “Hot stuff,” or “Big stud” or other degrading terms that refer to sexual orientation. Additional types of sexual harassment include students starting or spreading sexual rumors, writing sexual graffiti on bathroom walls, sending crude e-mails or letters, and displaying sexual drawings or pornography. A person in a position of power may request sexual favors in return for a starting position on a college team, a higher grade, or access to a popular club or peer group. Individuals who experience sexual harassment feel fearful, intimidated, manipulated, and overpowered. Almost 60-70% of students in surveyed colleges report experiencing sexual harassment directly or indirectly. At the elementary college level it is exhibited differently and thus it may be overlooked. In fact, sexual harassment has become so commonplace that many accept it as something everyone puts up with. However, sexual harassment is unacceptable, causing personal pain and embarrassment, creating a negative academic environment, and feeding into more violent behaviors. It is important for teachers, parents, and students to gain an understanding of what sexual harassment actually is, how to respond to it, and how to prevent it.