NCJ Number
164288
Date Published
1996
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Recent studies suggest that sexual harassment is a significant problem on university campuses, and faculty and student affairs staff who are in the position of observing and being told about sexual harassment incidents should consider a range of issues in determining how to effectively address the problem.
Abstract
University policies on reporting and processing sexual harassment incidents can impede or facilitate the investigation and fair disposal of sexual harassment complaints. Further, the dissemination of information about sexual harassment will not necessarily affect attitudes that perpetuate victimization. Advocates should understand institutional policies regarding sexual harassment and be aware of grievance procedures in place at their universities. Advocates should also consider the extent to which they can be effective without engendering resentment of the accused or others. When significant risks are involved for advocates, they may be most effective by asking the student to report the sexual harassment to a superior or to another colleague who will be sympathetic to the victim and who may be in a better position to act on the complaint. The decision to actually file a sexual harassment complaint should be an informed one; victims have the right to understand the complaint process and difficulties they may encounter. Similarly, the investigation should be carried only as far as the complainant wants it to go. Interventions to challenge attitudes that perpetuate sexual harassment are listed, and issues associated with processing sexual harassment complaints and dealing with the consequences of sexual harassment are described. 37 references