Identifying Incidences of Sexual Harassment towards Male Teachers and SHS Students of SMCQC in Public Places

Abstract

In every place, men and women have the tendency to be sexually harassed. Walking along the streets can be terrifying and dangerous due to the possibility of getting harassed by predators, not only for women but for men also. The research focused on identifying incidences of sexual harassment towards male teachers and male Senior High School students of SMCQC in public places, which encompasses reasons, forms, and effects of this act as given by the respondents. Thus, the research provides an insight into how sexual harassment happens not only to females but also to males. The descriptive research design was used in the study to aid the researchers in determining the occurrence of sexual harassment amongst male students and male teachers in public places. A survey questionnaire was used as a tool for data gathering. The study was conducted at St. Mary's College Quezon City during School Year 2019-2020. There were 153 respondents, with 130 (100%) male students of Senior High School and 23 out of 24 male teachers. No sampling was performed because all-male teachers were able to answer except one who was unavailable; meanwhile, all-male SHS students were able to participate. The researchers distributed the survey forms to the respondents to know if they have experienced sexual harassment or act of lasciviousness in public places. The data gathered showed that 49% of male students had been sexually harassed, and 51% were not. Meanwhile, 54% of male teachers also experienced sexual harassment. Most of the male respondents answered that the commonplace where sexual harassment occurs is on the streets. The male victims of sexual harassment answered that other men are the ones who initiated the act to them. Physical appearance is one of the most common factors why an individual is experiencing sexual harassment, and the least factor is gender identity. Only half (45%) of the male students who are victims of sexual harassment reported the incident, and male teachers (54%) reported the incident of sexual harassment whether experienced or witnessed. One of the possible effects of sexual harassment on the victims is anxiety, and the second is having lower self-esteem. The researchers found out that male students and male teachers have experienced being sexually harassed in public places. The study's implication might help the public officials and administrators address incidences of sexual harassment among male students and male teachers and recognize that such happen to other genders as well. The school administration can provide extensive seminars, talks, and campaigns regarding sexual harassment that would educate both the school's personnel and students. Society should recognize and take legal and fair action on the issue as male sexual harassment is just as grave as the sexual harassment of females.