Sexual Harassment by Peers in Chilean Elementary Schools: A Multilevel Analysis

• In Event: Bullies, Victims, and Bystanders: Preventing School Violence

Abstract

Sexual harassment (SH) by peers in school has important consequences for human development. This study sought to identify predictors of SH through multi-level analyses of 17,364 students between 5th and 8th grade from 405 low SES schools in Chile. Findings show that being male and having a low SES were strong individual predictors of sexual harassment, but that SES lost significance in the presence of being overage, of ethnic origin, reporting other types of victimization, being discriminated by sexual orientation or due to a disability. Perceived school norms against sexual harassment and a positive school climate were protective factors. In all levels, discrimination due to sexual orientation was a risk factor. These elements suggest important areas for prevention and intervention.

Authors

• Verónica López, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso

• Manuela Garcia, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso

• Luis Gonzalez, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso

• Paula Ascorra, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso

• Ana Squicciarini, JUNAEB

• Katty Bustos, JUNAEB