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Updated: Jan 7, 2026
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The Resident-intruder Paradigm: A Standardized Test for Aggression, Violence and Social Stress
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Why Do People Perpetrate Sexual Harassment in Public Space? A Systematic Scoping Review
Charlotte J W van Tuijl1, Lysanne W Te Brinke1, Milene Gonçalves2
1Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Trauma, Violence & Abuse
|December 26, 2025
Summary
This review systematically overviews explanations for sexual harassment in public spaces. Prevention strategies should focus on peer groups and social norms, not just individuals.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Criminology
- Public Health
Background:
- Sexual harassment in public spaces is a growing concern.
- Existing research lacks a systematic overview of perpetrator motivations.
- Understanding explanations is crucial for effective prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review explanations for sexual harassment in public spaces.
- To determine the empirical basis of these explanations.
- To inform prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review across 12 databases.
- Inclusion of 29 studies from 4,300 identified.
- Thematic analysis using the social ecological framework.
Main Results:
- Identified 10 themes across individual, relationship, community, and societal levels.
- Empirical support is strongest for individual and relationship factors.
- Community and societal factors require more empirical investigation.
Conclusions:
- Prevention efforts should target peer dynamics and psychosocial capacities.
- Addressing social and gender norms is essential.
- Focusing on group dynamics may be more effective than solely on individuals.
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