P057. Her Fear, Her Reality: Psychological Effects of Sexual Victimization Anxiety in Women

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

Investigating the psychological effects of fearing victimisation from sexual harassment in women is crucial. Such research reveals the impact of fear on women’s daily lives, even in the absence of direct harassment experiences, and highlights potential long-term consequences. A deeper understanding of these effects can enhance social awareness and inform the development of preventive strategies against sexual harassment. Current research gaps include the variation of these psychological effects across different social and cultural contexts, and the role of organisations in mitigating these impacts. To address these gaps, this study poses critical research questions regarding the psychological and social repercussions of the fear of victimisation on women who have not experienced sexual harassment directly. The study will explore the long-term implications of this fear, the preventive measures women adopt to ensure their safety in public spaces, particularly at night, and how these measures correlate with their perceptions of potential victimisation. The study aims to bridge existing research gaps and foster a comprehensive understanding of the issue across various social and cultural backgrounds by investigating these aspects.
This qualitative research will capture the subjective experiences, emotions, and perceptions of women concerning the fear of victimisation from sexual harassment. Eight adult women will participate in the study, while male participants will be excluded, as the focus is solely on women's experiences and psychological effects. Participants will be recruited through convenience and non-probability sampling, identified via social media posts detailing the research and the need for participants. Participation will be voluntary, and interested women will be informed about the study's purpose, process, and measures for ensuring anonymity and confidentiality. Only those who provide informed consent will participate. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of the participants' experiences and perceptions.

Authors

• Christina Christodoulou, BSc Psychology Graduand, Faculty of Psychology, Metropolitan College, a branch of the University of East London, Athens, Greece

• Lamprini NTOUNTOUMI, PhD Candidate in Sociology, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece & Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Metropolitan College, a branch of the University of East London, Athens, Greece