DoD Service Academies. Update on Extent of Sexual Harassment.
Abstract
We previously reported that between half and three-quarters of academy women experienced at least one form of sexual harassment on a recurring basis during academic year 1990-91,2 whereas the vast majority of men indicated never having experienced sexual harassment at the academy. Our surveys inquired about 10 forms of harassment that were derived from previous surveys conducted among federal workers by the Merit Systems Protection Board in 1980 and 1987 and a 1988 survey of active duty military personnel conducted by the Defense Manpower Data Center. We tailored the items somewhat to the academy environments. The 10 forms of sexual harassment included: derogatory comments, jokes, or nicknames; comments that standards have been lowered for women; comments that women do not belong at the academy; offensive posters, signs, or graffiti; mocking gestures, whisfies, or catcails; derogatory letters or messages; exclusion from social activities or informal gatherings; target of unwanted horseplay or hijinks; unwanted pressure for dates by a more senior student; and unwanted sexual advances. The most common forms of harassment academy women reported experiencing were gender-related verbal comments or visual displays, as opposed to sexual advances. While students perceived that reported incidents would be thoroughly investigated and offenders appropriately disciplined, they also perceived that those reporting sexual harassment would encounter significant negative consequences. These negative consequences played a role in the tendency for most sexual harassment not to be officially reported.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA293649
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office