Looking for a preventive approach for sexual harassment in academia

• In Event: Prevention of sex crimes

Abstract

A systematic review (PRISMA) on sexual harassment (SH) in academia was conducted with the aim to direct updated research findings toward an effective prevention perspective. The results were collected in order to guide preventive interventions in Italy, where a #metoo movement in Academia is taking place. The findings confirm that academia is a breeding ground for SH due to power imbalances and that vulnerabilities related to the macro-dynamics of power, social and cultural inequalities are risk factors for SH. It is recommended that SH prevention interventions in academia 1. adopt a socio-ecological perspective; 2. include evidence-based programs; 3. are integrated with each other through valuable networking and multistakeholder involvement and 4. pay attention to support complaints, victim listening and intake activities.
Interventions should act at the cultural level fighting structural inequality and a greater enhancement of evidence-based programs is required. Of the latter, bystander programs are currently one of the most widely used strategies for reducing sexual harassment: they focus on recognizing early signs of sexually harmful behavior and developing skills to intervene. In light of these indications and the first data from a survey conducted in Italian universities, an analysis of the measures against sexual harassment in academia introduced in the Italian context is proposed. Strengths and weaknesses in the path needed to adapt them to international standards of effectiveness will be discussed.

Authors

• Oriana Binik, Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

• Debora Ginocchio, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia

• Giovanna Laura De Fazio, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia