Frequency Of Sexual Harassment Research Articles

Sexual Harassment, Abuse, and Discrimination in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Unlike other surgical specialties, obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) has been predominantly female for the last decade. The association of this with gender bias and sexual harassment is not known. To systematically review the prevalence of sexual harassment, bullying, abuse, and discrimination among OB-GYN clinicians and trainees and interventions aimed at reducing harassment in OB-GYN and other surgical specialties. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted to identify studies published from inception through June 13, 2023.: For the prevalence of harassment, OB-GYN clinicians and trainees on OB-GYN rotations in all subspecialties in the US or Canada were included. Personal experiences of harassment (sexual harassment, bullying, abuse, and discrimination) by other health care personnel, event reporting, burnout and exit from medicine, fear of retaliation, and related outcomes were included. Interventions across all surgical specialties in any country to decrease incidence of harassment were also evaluated. Abstracts and potentially relevant full-text articles were double screened.: Eligible studies were extracted into standard forms. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence of included research were assessed. A meta-analysis was not performed owing to heterogeneity of outcomes. A total of 10 eligible studies among 5852 participants addressed prevalence and 12 eligible studies among 2906 participants addressed interventions. The prevalence of sexual harassment (range, 250 of 907 physicians [27.6%] to 181 of 255 female gynecologic oncologists [70.9%]), workplace discrimination (range, 142 of 249 gynecologic oncologists [57.0%] to 354 of 527 gynecologic oncologists [67.2%] among women; 138 of 358 gynecologic oncologists among males [38.5%]), and bullying (131 of 248 female gynecologic oncologists [52.8%]) was frequent among OB-GYN respondents. OB-GYN trainees commonly experienced sexual harassment (253 of 366 respondents [69.1%]), which included gender harassment, unwanted sexual attention, and sexual coercion. The proportion of OB-GYN clinicians who reported their sexual harassment to anyone ranged from 21 of 250 AAGL (formerly, the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists) members (8.4%) to 32 of 256 gynecologic oncologists (12.5%) compared with 32.6% of OB-GYN trainees. Mistreatment during their OB-GYN rotation was indicated by 168 of 668 medical students surveyed (25.1%). Perpetrators of harassment included physicians (30.1%), other trainees (13.1%), and operating room staff (7.7%). Various interventions were used and studied, which were associated with improved recognition of bias and reporting (eg, implementation of a video- and discussion-based mistreatment program during a surgery clerkship was associated with a decrease in medical student mistreatment reports from 14 reports in previous year to 9 reports in the first year and 4 in the second year after implementation). However, no significant decrease in the frequency of sexual harassment was found with any intervention. This study found high rates of harassment behaviors within OB-GYN. Interventions to limit these behaviors were not adequately studied, were limited mostly to medical students, and typically did not specifically address sexual or other forms of harassment.

Prevalence and patterns of premenstrual disorders and possible association with sexual harassment: a cross-sectional study of young Arab women

BackgroundPremenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) represent a range of both psychiatric and physical symptoms that impair quality of life and interfere with daily activities in females.AimsTo assess the prevalence of PMS and PMDD in Egypt, Jordan and Syria, its demographic associations and the potential link to sexual harassment (SH).MethodsWe used an Arabic version of the premenstrual symptoms screening tool (PSST) to assess the prevalence of PMS and PMDD. Another two-part questionnaire was used to assess the harassment experience.Results22,021 women agreed to fill the questionnaire; the majority (65%) aged 18–25 years old. PMS was more prevalent in Egyptian women 77.7% followed by women from Jordan 72.9% then Syria 66.3%. PMDD prevalence followed the same order (40%, 34.7% and 28.2%). Both conditions were significantly associated with obesity and working in medical careers (P = .001). 5733 women agreed to share their sexual harassment experience. Results showed a significant association between the diversity and frequency of sexual harassment and the frequency of the pre-menstrual conditions, PMS Frequency was 87.6%, 80.7% and 78% in participants who were harassed on daily basis Vs. once weekly or monthly vs. few times in their lifetime (p = .04). A similar statistically significant difference was noticed regarding having PMDD (66.4% vs. 47.6% vs. 42.5%).ConclusionThe study showed high levels of both PMS and PMDD. The data provided by this study also sheds light on a potential link between SH and developing Pre-menstrual disorders.

Seksualno uznemiravanje mladih sportaša od strane trenera i izraženost depresivnosti, anksioznosti i stresa u kasnijoj životnoj dobi

The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of sexual harassment perpetrated by coaches in youth sports activities and to examine the association of those experiences with depression, anxiety, and stress in later life. Study participants were young men and women (n = 501; Mage = 20,86, SD = 1,81) who participated in sports before they turned 18 years old. The results showed that 25 % of participants experienced some form of sexual harassment by coaches while they were minors. Participants who had this kind of experience obtained higher results on depression, anxiety, and stress scales. The results indicate the need to undertake measures aimed at preventing and stopping sexual harassment in youth sport.

Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Young Female Doctors is Associated with High Sexual Harassment Scores

ABSTRACT Background: Sexual harassment, a known cause of stress in females, makes them vulnerable to mental health issues and affects their professional performance. The objectives of the study were to assess the frequency of sexual harassment among female doctors based on age, designation, marital status, and household income, and to find out the association between sexual harassment and depression, anxiety, and stress in female doctors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at three tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi. on n=328 female doctors including House officers, Post Graduate Trainees, Senior Registrars, Assistants, Associates and Full Professors. We used the Sexual Harassment Experience Questionnaire and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale to assess sexual harassment and depression, anxiety and stress scores, p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of 301 female doctors was 30.12±7.8 years, equally represented from public and private hospitals. Mostly were married 154 (51.2%), working as House Officers 126(41.9%), The mean score on the Sexual Harassment Experience Questionnaire was 48.23±14.84, with higher scores (52.83±16.2) in unmarried females (≤30 years), working in junior levels in public sector hospitals (p=0.001). A significant positive correlation (0.471) between the Sexual Harassment Experience Questionnaire and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale scores was observed. Conclusion: The incidences of sexual harassment were seen more in younger, unmarried junior female doctors. Higher Depression, Anxiety and Stress were found positively associated with higher Sexual Harassment scores. Hospitals should develop policies to protect female healthcare workers especially junior doctors, to minimize workplace sexual harassment negativity on mental health. Keywords: Sexual Harassment; Depression; Anxiety; Female; Hospitals.

Sexual harassment and organisational silencing in nursing: a cross-sectional study in Greece

ObjectiveThis study investigates the frequency of sexual harassment among female nurses in the Greek health system and the nurses’ reluctance to report their experiences.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingGreece.Participants1264 female nurses of working age...

Are male nurses sexually harassed? A cross-sectional study in the Greek Health System

BackgroundThe #MeToo and #Times Up movements have put a global spotlight on the phenomenon of sexual harassment in healthcare. Yet, most studies have explored sexual harassment among female professionals. This study departs from current research practices and investigates the frequency of sexual harassment in male nurses working in the Greek NHS and the reasons for not reporting their experiences.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ) to collect data from 507 male nurses working in Greece's various settings during October and February 2021. The electronic survey was sent to male nurses (n=3,091 registered with the Hellenic Association of Nurses. Survey items were consent form, demographics, three-dimensions of sexual harassment, silencing and negative consequences. Questions were measured using five-point Likert scales, binary scale and multiple-choice questions. ANOVA and T-tests were used to investigate whether specific groups more frequently dealt with sexual harassment. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to investigate the association between independent variables (sexually harassing behaviours) and the dependent variable (participants' negative physical, mental, and job-related outcomes).Results40% of male nurses have experienced sexual harassment at least once in their working lives, and the most common form of sexual harassment faced was gender harassment, followed by unwanted sexual attention. Male doctors and male nurses were the most common perpetrators. Private and younger male nurses with up to 5 years of experience experienced more frequent sexual harassment. 30% did not report sexual harassment due to the fear that no one would believe them, and because of beliefs, no action would be taken against the wrongdoer. Multiple regression analyses showed that unwanted sexual attention and sexual coercion were associated with physical and job-related outcomes. Cronbach Alpha was 0.91.ConclusionA high proportion of male nurses have experienced sexual harassment during their careers. Being younger with limited working experience and working in the private sector were positively associated with sexual harassment. Policymakers and health managers should focus on sexual harassment prevention strategies and report-enabling policies.

Comparative analysis of sexual harassment between male and female nurses: A cross-sectional study in Greece.

The aims of this work are to compare the frequency of sexual harassment among male and female nurses in Greece and capture the reasons for not reporting sexual harassment. The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have emphasized the ubiquity of sexual harassment in health care. Yet, limited studies have explored sexual harassment among male and female nurses and the reasons for not reporting it. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ) to collect data from 1.264 female nurses and 507 male nurses. Sixty-seven per cent of female nurses have experienced sexual harassment at least once in their working lives, whereas male nurses' exact figure was 41%. The most common type of sexual harassment for both groups was gender harassment, followed by unwanted sexual attention and sexual coercion. Female nurses experienced more severe adverse consequences, whereas male nurses experienced moderate negative consequences. Policymakers and hospital managers should create mechanisms to allow victims to report their experiences and establish an independent committee to assess victims' complaints. Managers are called to change how hospitals deal with sexual harassment cases, modernize their management style, and support sexual harassment victims to break their silence without fear of negative consequences.

"Am I Making More of It Than I Should?": Reporting and Responding to Sexual Harassment.

Health professionals may face sexual harassment from patients, faculty, and colleagues. Medicine's hierarchy deters response to sexual harassment. Current evidence consists largely of quantitative data regarding the frequency and types of sexual harassment. More information is needed about the nature of the experience and how or why professionals choose to report or respond. We developed and administered a semistructured interview guide to elicit family medicine faculty and residents' experiences with sexual harassment and gender bias. Facilitators led a series of focus groups divided by faculty (N=28) and residents (N=24). We ensured voluntary consent and groups were audiotaped, transcribed and deidentified. We coded the transcripts using immersion-crystallization theory to identify emergent themes. Sexual harassment from patients and colleagues was described as witnessed or personally experienced by faculty and resident participants in 100% of the focus groups. Respondents identified the presence of mentors, clear reporting process and follow-up, history of good organizational response to reporting, and education and training as facilitators to reporting sexual harassment. Barriers to reporting included fear of retaliation, lack of trust of the system to respond, lack of clarity about "what counts," and confusion with the reporting process. It is important to capitalize on facilitators to reporting sexual harassment, starting with acknowledging the frequency of sexual harassment and gender discrimination. Addressing barriers to responding through education and training for our learners and faculty is critical. Clarifying the reporting process, having clear expectations for behavior, and a continuum of responses may help increase the frequency of reporting.

Risk Factors for Sexual Harassment in Public Places

The aim of the study was to investigate risk factors for victimisation from sexual harassment in public places. A questionnaire was completed by 591 female university students in Finland. The mean age was 25.2 years (SD = 7.1). Nonverbal sexual harassment was found to be the most common type of sexual harassment, followed by physical. The most common place of victimisation was in a nightclub or bar, and the most common perpetrator was a stranger. The most common single acts of victimisation were to be stared at with filthy looks and talked to in an unpleasant sexual way. Victimisation from sexual harassment in public places was significantly predicted by physical punishment during childhood, victimisation from peer aggression at school, victimisation from verbal and physical intimate partner aggression, and low self-esteem. When frequency of sexual harassment was controlled for, emotional distress caused by sexual harassment correlated significantly with victimisation from verbal intimate partner aggression, victimisation from peer aggression at school, and a low self-esteem, suggesting sensitisation to aggression. In this sample of Finnish university students, the levels of victimisation from sexual harassment were low. Victimisation from other types of aggression and low self-esteem were identified as possible risk factors for victimisation from sexual harassment.

Sexual Harassment and Victimization from Four Other Types of Interpersonal Aggression in Ghana: A Cycle of Victimization

The aim of the study was to investigate victimization from sexual harassment, and level of emotional distress due to it, are associated with four other types of victimization. A questionnaire was completed by 280 female university students and lecturers in Ghana. The mean age was 26.7 years ( SD = 6.2). The questionnaire included scales for measuring frequency of sexual harassment, emotional distress due to sexual harassment, physical punishment during childhood, victimization from peer aggression at school, and victimization from intimate partner aggression. Respondents who were more than average victimized from sexual harassment scored significantly higher on physical punishment during childhood, victimization from peer aggression at school (revictimization), and victimization from intimate partner aggression (multiple victimization).When frequency of sexual harassment was controlled for, emotional distress caused by sexual harassment correlated positively with victimization from peer aggression at school, and victimization from verbal intimate partner aggression, thus suggesting sensitization to aggression. Victimization from sexual harassment was associated with higher levels of both previous and simultaneous victimization from other types of aggression, thus corroborating the principles of both revictimization and multiple victimization. The finding does not suggest that sexual harassment in all cases is associated with other types of victimization. Keywords: sexual harassment, revictimization, emotional distress, Ghana

A U.S. Survey of Sexual Harassment in Ophthalmology Training Using a Novel Standardized Scale.

This study aimed to assess the frequency and severity of sexual harassment toward ophthalmology trainees. Present study is an anonymous retrospective online survey. U.S. ophthalmology residents and fellows participated in this study. Sexual harassment comments directed toward University of Iowa ophthalmology trainees and faculty members were compiled. Statements were ranked by severity to develop the Iowa Verbal Sexual Harassment Scale. A brief, anonymous online survey incorporating the scale was sent to all United States ophthalmology residency program directors to distribute among trainees. Participants rated the prevalence, severity, and frequency of verbal and physical sexual harassment during training. Response to the survey questions on the prevalence, severity, and frequency of reporting of verbal and physical sexual harassment in ophthalmology training. Among 112 respondents (59 men and 53 women), 72 (64.3%) experienced sexual harassment in the workplace from patients (86.8% of women vs. 44.1% of men; p<0.0001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48-2.74). Trainees rarely experienced harassment by colleagues (10.7%) or supervisors (8.9%). Women experienced more severe and frequent sexual harassment compared with men, with 54.7% women and 30.5% men experiencing sexual harassment weekly (p = 0.013, 95% CI: 1.29-5.71). Unwanted touching was the most common physical harassment type. The trainees' threshold for reporting sexual harassment was higher than their worst actual experience (p< 0.0001, F(2,282) = 67.59). Few trainees formally reported verbal (6.3%) or physical sexual harassment (1.8%). Trainees most commonly responded to harassment by redirecting the harasser (67.9%). Only 33.9% of trainees rated their institution's sexual harassment training as helpful preparation for addressing harassment. Most ophthalmology trainees experienced sexual harassment with almost all harassment coming from patients. Female trainees reported substantially greater severity and frequency of sexual harassment. There remains an unmet need for targeted response training in ophthalmology training programs.

The influence of street network configuration on sexual harassment patterns in Cairo

Sexual harassment is a common experience for women in urban spaces. While many studies have shown the types of urban environments that are hostile to women, limited research has examined the empirical relationship between sexual harassment and the configuration of the street network. This study uses crowdsourced data and space syntax analysis to investigate the relationship of the frequency of sexual harassment to the proximity of such incidents to main streets in the central business district of Cairo, Egypt. The results show that harassment incidents are associated with street segments with high volumes of foot traffic. Unsafe space usually lacks a balanced co-presence of males and females where the former outnumber the latter. The article advances our knowledge of visibility and spatial accessibility characteristics of sexual harassment incidents and the potential impacts of urban design and planning policies on women's power and fragility.

Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual Harassment in Australian Adolescents

ABSTRACT The aims of the current study were to provide the first Australian prevalence estimates of sexual harassment in adolescents, explore gender differences in form and frequency of harassment, and investigate demographic and weight status correlates. A total of 4098 adolescents (47.3% boys), aged 11 to 19 years from government and non-government secondary schools completed demographic questions, self-reported weight and height, and a modified Association of American University Women Sexual Harassment Survey. Overall, 42.5% of boys and 40.0% of girls reported some forms of sexual harassment in the previous school term. A significant gender difference was found in overall frequency of sexual harassment but not in prevalence. Six of the nine forms of sexual harassment were more likely and more frequently to have been experienced by boys compared to girls. In conclusion, sexual harassment is a pervasive problem in Australian high schools and needs to be acknowledged and dealt with specifically.

Sexual Harassment in Vascular Surgery Training Programs

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome behavior or obscene remark that affects an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. We sought to examine its presence in vascular surgery training programs, identify factors associated with occurrence, and determine reporting barriers. An anonymous survey consisting of questions on frequency of sexual harassment including type/perpetrators/locations; why/how the practice occurs; reporting mechanisms/barriers to reporting; and demographic information was emailed to all vascular surgery trainees in the United States. Descriptive and univariate analysis was performed. Of 498 invitations sent, 133 (27%) completed the survey. Fifty of 133 (38%) thought harassment occurred more commonly in surgical specialties with hierarchy/power dynamics, historical male dominance in field, and ignoring of behavior, being the most common reasons cited that it still occurs. Of 133, 81 (61%) respondents have either experienced (63/133, 47%) or witnessed (18/133, 14%) other trainees being harassed, with calling a sexist slur/intimate nickname being the most common behavior. Those affected were more commonly women (P=0.0006), with the most common perpetrator being a surgical attending and the most common area of occurrence being the operating room. Reasons for not reporting included believing the behavior was harmless in intent (33/63, 52%) and feeling nothing would come of it if reported (28/63, 44%), but 15/63 (24%) feared repercussions and 15/63 (24%) feeling uncomfortable are identified as a target of sexual harassment. Of 133, 46 respondents were not aware of institutional mechanisms for reporting harassment, with only 70/133 (53%) feeling comfortable reporting to their departmental leadership. A significant number of vascular surgery trainees have experienced sexual harassment during their training. Over a third of respondents do not know institutional mechanisms for reporting, and almost half do not feel comfortable reporting to departmental leadership. Increasing education on harassment and reporting mechanisms may be necessary in vascular surgery training programs.

Effectiveness of “Shifting Boundaries” Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program for Subgroups of Middle School Students

PurposeWe examine whether the Shifting Boundaries (SB) intervention, a primary intervention to prevent youth dating violence and sexual harassment (DV/H), is differentially effective for girls compared with boys or for youth with a history of DV/H experiences. MethodsWe randomly assigned SB to 30 public middle schools in New York City, enrolling 117 sixth and seventh grade classes to receive a classroom, building, combined, or neither intervention. The SB classroom intervention included six sessions emphasizing the laws/consequences of DV/H, establishing boundaries and safe relationships. The SB schoolwide/building intervention included the use of school-based restraining orders, greater faculty/security presence in unsafe “hot spots” mapped by students, and posters to increase DV/H awareness and reporting. Student surveys were implemented at baseline, immediately after intervention, and 6 months after intervention. ResultsAt 6 months after intervention, the SB building-level intervention was associated with significant reductions in the frequency of sexual harassment (SH) perpetration and victimization; the prevalence and frequency of sexual dating violence victimization; and the frequency of total dating violence victimization and perpetration. We also had one anomalous finding that the interventions were associated with an increase in the prevalence of SH victimization. These results were consistent for girls and boys, and those with or without a history of DV/H, with the one exception for those exposed to the SB building condition who had earlier reported perpetrating SH had a significantly lower frequency of perpetrating SH at the follow-up than those without such a history. ConclusionsSB can provide effective universal prevention of middle school DV/H experiences, regardless of students' prior exposure histories, and for boys and girls.

Sexual Harassment within College Campus Recreation Departments as Perceived by NIRSA Employees

This is part one of a four-part presentation of a national investigation of NIRSA members on the topic of sexual harassment/discrimination within college campus recreation departments. A national survey of 1000 randomly selected NIRSA members in North America was completed by means of an on-line questionnaire to determine the perceptions of NIRSA members as to the possible existence of sexual harassment [discrimination] within their own college campus recreation departments, in terms of a) existence of sexual harassment in the work environment, b) frequency of occurrences against males and females, c) examples of sexual harassment, d) frequency of sexual harassment acts, e) reaction to sexual harassment, f) issuance of complaints, g) existence of policies/procedures dealing with sexual harassment, and h) separation between males and females (exclusion, avoidance, distancing). An examination of the data was completed in terms of the respondents' gender, marital status, and gender of one's supervisor. Findings revealed that the vast majority of the respondents felt that their work place was safe, one of respect, one of tolerance, not intimidating and that sexual harassment was not a major factor in their workplace. Policies, procedures and educational opportunities were cited as existing in terms of the identification, prevention, reporting and prompt complaint resolution of sexual harassment. Common forms of unwanted verbal expressions of a sexual nature were infrequently cited as existing within the work place.

Sexual Harassment and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms among Asian and White Women

Sexual harassment is a prevalent problem that has been associated with negative psychological and physical health outcomes. Although sexual harassment has been linked to posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, little is known about how PTS symptoms that arose from sexual harassment experiences might be associated with psychological and physical health. This study examined the associations among sexual harassment, PTS symptoms, and psychological and physical well-being in a sample of Asian and White women. In addition, given the lack of research on sexual harassment among Asian women, we investigated the moderating role of ethnicity. Results indicated that greater sexual harassment frequency and PTS symptom severity predicted more depression, overall psychological distress, and physical symptoms. PTS symptom severity and ethnicity moderated the relationship between sexual harassment frequency and physical symptoms. We discuss the implications of these findings and directions for further research.

The influence of sexual harassment frequency and perceptions of organizational justice on victim responses to sexual harassment

Organizational justice theory was used to understand the conditions that influence how women respond when sexually harassed. Specifically, this study examined whether sexual harassment frequency interacts with perceptions of four types of organizational justice (procedural, distributive, interpersonal, and informational) to predict two types of victim responses (confrontation and reporting). With data collected from 257 female employees, it was found that the interaction between sexual harassment frequency and perceptions of distributive justice and the interaction between sexual harassment frequency and perceptions of procedural justice predicted reporting, whereas the interaction between sexual frequency and perceptions of distributive justice predicted confrontation. The interaction between sexual harassment frequency and perceptions of informational justice predicted both confrontation and reporting. Implications for organizations are discussed.

Posttraumatic Stress Symptomatology as a Mediator of the Association Between Military Sexual Trauma and Post-Deployment Physical Health in Women

This study examined posttraumatic stress symptomatology (PSS) as a mediator of the association between military sexual trauma and post-deployment physical health. Relationships were examined in a sample of 83 female veterans of the first Gulf War (1990–1991) approximately 10 years post-deployment. Participants reported on the frequency of sexual harassment and sexual assault experienced during deployment. Physical health was measured using participants' self-reports of pre-deployment and post-deployment symptoms within 7 body systems. Sexual harassment exposure was not found to be associated with PSS-mediated associations with physical health symptoms. However, sexual assault during deployment was found to be associated with PSS and 4 of the 7 health symptom clusters assessed: gastrointestinal, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, and neurological symptoms. Furthermore, PSS was found to be a significant mediator of the sexual assault–physical health relationship in each of these domains, with the indirect path accounting for 74% to 100% of the relationship. The findings from the current study indicate that sexual assault has detrimental associations with physical health and that PSS plays a primary role in that relationship.

Accessible Information and Prevention Strategies Related to Student Sexual Harassment: A Review of Students Harassing Students

The problem of sexual harassment in schools creates devastating emotional, psychological, and educational effects among students. More than three-fourths of students report that they have been sexually harassed at school. The effects of this harmful torment can range from feelings of embarrassment and anxiety to suicidal thoughts and a significant drop in school attendance and learning (pp. ix–xi). The author of the book Students Harassing Students, Dr. Jan Cantrell, notes that although more school sexual harassment policies were put into place between 1993 to 2001, sexual harassment in schools still increased during this period (p. 3). In light of increased bullying in schools and recent school-related suicides stemming from sexual harassment, the content of this book serves as an apt response to a growing issue in schools. Students Harassing Students presents three main goals: to educate parents and educators on the scope of the problem of sexual harassment; to inform students that they can receive help; and to convey the knowledge that sexual harassment among students can be decreased (p. xi). Cantrell relays these points through setting up each chapter systematically to illustrate a case study and clear definitions, legal issues, suggested solutions, and thoughtful preventions related to the chapter topic. There are many strengths to Cantrell’s book. It is quite clear that the author feels strongly about this subject, has gathered extensive information on the topic, and understands the school environment. Cantrell references large-scale, comprehensive reports, and past and current case law and policies, thereby giving a thorough look into the different components of this serious issue. The content of the book is spread among ten chapters which address the following topics: the scope and frequency of sexual harassment in schools; the definition sexual harassment; guidance for teachers and counselors on identifying and targeting sexual harassment behaviors; preventing harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students; addressing electronic manifestations of sexual harassment; legal issues and policy development; and finally, addressing parents, students, and administrators. Cantrell defines sexual harassment using a description from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This definition states that like all other forms of sexual assault, “sexual harassment includes a wide range of behaviors including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when submission to or rejection of this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual’s employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment”. Cantrell goes beyond merely looking at occurrence rates of sexual harassment in schools- she provides insight on why such incidents occur. The author succinctly outlines the reasons for peer-on-peer sexual harassment: the student is unaware that his/her action is sexual harassment;