Abstract
This study was carried out examine sexual harassment prevalence among female students in University of Benin Four research questions were raised to guide the study Does sexual harassment have a negative or positive impact on the affected student? What effect does sexual harassment have on the academic performance of female students? Are Female Students more sexually harassed than males’ students in the University? Are the measures taken by the University management cogent enough to curb the issues of sexual harassment?
Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 10% of the total population amounting to one hundred and fifty (150) was used for the study. purposive sampling technique was used for the study. purposive sampling technique was used for the study. The sample cuts across the various Departments in the faculty of Education of the University of Benin. The data were analysed using simple percentage.
The major findings of the study revealed show that various places were mentioned where the harassment occurred such as the hostel, hospital premises, classroom, night parties, sister’s room and even in a lecturer’s office. The findings also pointed out that more than half of the respondents had ever been harassed and a few had ever been sexually harassed by friends. For those who had ever been sexually harassed by friends, the harassment occurred within the school in the following settings: classroom, library and reading room. The researcher recommends, among others, Proper legal definition of what constitutes sexual harassment is needed: Although the respondents provided an understanding of sexual harassment that was close to the universally acceptable definition, it is still important that all the relevant documents in the disciplinary policy of the faculty and the school at large should have a clear definition of the same and clear cut information about, and implication of perpetrating sexual harassment should be made available to all stakeholders within the school environment. A clear school policy on sexual harassment is essential as the faculty still lags behind in developing a sexual harassment policy. Clearly defined structures to report cases of sexual harassment should be established and empowered.
