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Sexual harassment in the veterinary academic environment
C T MacAllister1, M Guglick, J Dale
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078, USA.
Summary
Sexual harassment (SH) affects 31% of academic veterinarians, with nonphysical forms like offensive comments being most common. Improving the process requires protection from retaliation, confidentiality, and clear policies to prevent SH in veterinary medicine.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Academic Environment
- Sexual Harassment Studies
Background:
- Sexual harassment (SH) is a concern within academic veterinary medicine.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of SH is crucial for creating safer environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the characteristics of sexual harassment in veterinary academic settings.
- To report on how sexual harassment is currently handled.
- To determine methods for improving sexual harassment response systems in veterinary institutions.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 1,294 academic veterinarians across 25 colleges of veterinary medicine.
- Completed surveys were returned by 478 respondents for analysis.
Main Results:
- 31% of surveyed academic veterinarians reported experiencing sexual harassment.
- Nonphysical forms of SH, such as offensive comments and unwanted attention, were reported six times more frequently than physical forms.
- Fear of reprisal was the primary reason cited for not confronting harassers.
Conclusions:
- A clear definition of sexual harassment is essential for prevention.
- Implementing professional development programs, clear institutional policies, and ensuring sensitive, fair, and confidential enforcement are key to addressing SH.
- Protecting victims through prompt resolution and safeguarding against retaliation is paramount.