Work

Are we Asking the Right Questions? A Belgian Case Study on the Sexual Harassment Prevalence gap

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Sexual harassment (SH) in higher education has been extensively researched, yet no consensus has been reached on how to define or measure the problem. In practice and research, SH is still predominantly framed as a 'women's problem', risking a limited and epistemically unjust understanding. This study investigated whether the commonly observed prevalence gap between self-labelled SH and SH identified through behavioural checklists varies across groups within a single university. Findings indicate that several demographic and organisational characteristics influence the likelihood of this prevalence gap emerging, suggesting that different groups interpret SH in distinct ways.

Source: Violence Against Women

DOI: 10.1177/10778012261425169

Authors: Anneleen De Cuyper, Sarah Van de Velde

Institution: University of Antwerp

Language: English

Topic: Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: European Commission, Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme