Sexual Harassment in Academia: A Study of Forms, Prevalence and Perception
This paper explores the primary forms and prevalence of sexual harassment on campus. It also looks into the general perception that students have concerning harassment. In a cross-sectional survey, 389 respondents filled a questionnaire on sexual harassment. Quantitative statistical analysis revealed that sexual harassment was significantly prevalent in academia. Two-thirds of university students are subjected to sexual harassment before they join campus. Many of the respondents acceded to have been subjected to sexually harassing behaviours but were resistant to label themselves as survivors of harassment. Perception was high among undergraduate students. Recommendations for the improvement of the situation to create a freer and safer campus environment and suggestions for further research are made.