INVESTIGATING THE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO FEMALE SEXUAL HARASSMENT CASES IN BARANGAY STA. MONICA, NOVALICHES, QUEZON CITY

Abstract

This thesis, titled “Investigating the Factors Contributing to Female Sexual Harassment Cases,” explores the underlying causes of sexual harassment experienced by women. The study aims to identify and understand the key elements: social, cultural, and economic, that contribute to the occurrence and persistence of this issue. Particular attention is given to societal expectations, gender inequalities, and power imbalances that often enable or excuse harassing behavior. By analyzing these interconnected factors, the research seeks to provide meaningful insights that can support the development of effective prevention strategies and contribute to creating safer spaces for women in various settings. This study utilized a descriptive research design to investigate the factors contributing to female sexual harassment cases in Novaliches, Quezon City. According to Creswell (2014), descriptive research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon or population. The study involved 50 participants, consisting of 25 female victims of sexual harassment and 25 non-victims from the same community. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure the inclusion of individuals with specific characteristics relevant to the study's objectives.  Data were gathered using a validated survey questionnaire designed to capture respondents' experiences, perceptions, and insights related to sexual harassment. To ensure clarity and reliability, a preliminary dry run was conducted with 20 individuals from Barangay Novaliches. Feedback from the pilot testing was used to refine the final version of the questionnaire. The survey was then administered to the selected participants after establishing rapport and obtaining their voluntary cooperation. The results of the study reveal that women aged 18 to 25, particularly those attending college, are more vulnerable to experiencing sexual harassment. Several key factors were identified as contributing to this issue. Alcohol consumption was rated the most influential factor, with a weighted mean of 3.34, indicating that harassment is more likely to occur in social settings where alcohol is present.  The workplace was also identified as a critical environment, with a weighted mean of 3.32. Respondents noted that toxic or intimidating workplace conditions often discourage victims from speaking out or reporting incidents. Socio-economic status and peer pressure both received weighted means of 3.24. Women from lower-income backgrounds may feel compelled to tolerate harassment due to financial dependency, while fear of judgment or retaliation from peers often prevents individuals from reporting abuse.  These findings underscore the complex interplay of environmental, social, and economic factors that contribute to sexual harassment and highlight the importance of creating supportive systems that empower victims to report incidents without fear. The findings indicate that victims rated a toxic workplace environment as the most discouraging factor in reporting sexual harassment, with a weighted mean of 3.32 (Strongly Agree). Financial insecurity emerged as the most significant socio-economic factor, receiving a mean score of 3.24 (Agree), suggesting that individuals from lower-income backgrounds may feel pressured to remain silent due to dependence on their employment or financial support. The highest-rated psychological barrier among victims was the hesitation to report incidents due to fear of judgment or retaliation, also rated at 3.24 (Agree). Conversely, the lowest-rated factor was the perception of harassment being treated as a joke, which received a mean score of 3.02 (Agree), indicating a relatively lower but still notable impact. Both victim and non-victim groups recognized alcohol consumption as a key contributing factor to sexual harassment, with victims rating it highest at 3.34 (Strongly Agree), emphasizing its role in increasing vulnerability in social settings.