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Sexual Coercion and Harassment of Students with Disabilities in a Public University in Ghana.

Dr. Gbagbo, Fred Yao
Senior Lecturer/ Head of Department
  +233(0)243335708
  fygbagbo@uew.edu.gh

Authors
Gbagbo, F. Y., Rockson, G. N. Y., Quansah, F., & Ameyaw, E. K.
Publication Year
2023
Article Title
Sexual Coercion and Harassment of Students with Disabilities in a Public University in Ghana.
Journal
Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy,
Volume
49
Issue Number
7
Page Numbers
798-815.
Abstract

here is limited literature on sexual coercion/harassment of university students with disabilities, hence we, explored this phenomenon in Ghana, using a sequential explanatory-mixed method design that involved 119 (62 males and 57 females) students with various disabilities in the quantitative study and 12 (7 females and 5 males) students in the qualitative phase using questionnaire and interview guide for data collection respectively. We found that participants were not aware of the university’s sexual coercion/harassment policy nor involved in its formulation/dissemination. Persistently asking for sexual relationships, pressurized for outings, attempted/forced kissing, being sexually looked at, engaging in uncomfortable sexual conversations, and sexually provocative touch were common. The main perpetrators of these acts included physically able people (24.4%), colleagues with disabilities (14.3%), and Lecturers/Administrative staff (10.9%). We recommend policies and programs’ strengthening to protect students with disabilities from such unwarranted acts.

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