Sexual Misconduct
...on the Rise
Inappropriate sexual behavior among educators and students comes in various degrees – sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment. Sexual misconduct between a teacher and student covers a broader scope than sexual abuse and may include some forms of sexual harassment. Studies conducted on sexual misconduct revealed a continuing rise in cases as awareness and improved reporting methods were introduced. Some acts of the misconduct were attributed to insufficient hiring policies, inadequate awareness training, and lack of legislation addressing the problem. As more preventive measures and tougher legislation are established, increased cases of sexual misconduct should be prevented, thus affording a safer academic environment for students.
Sexual Misconduct Defined
Whereas sexual abuse is the legal term used by the Department of Education (2004), Dr. Carol Shakeshaft, a Hoftstra University School of Education professor contracted by the Department to study the issue, reported the behavior as sexual misconduct. Her 2004 report examines sexual misconduct in order to encompass all sexually inappropriate behavior that may have eluded the legal system, such as gestures, notes, e-mails or text messages. According to an article by Shakeshaft and Cohan (1995), two levels of sexual abuse are identified.
Level I non-contact sexual abuse is visual and includes such actions as exhibitionism, showing sexually explicit pictures, or making gestures. Level II non-contact sexual abuse is verbal and includes making sexual comments, jeering or taunting, and asking questions about sexual activity. (p. 3, ¶ 1)
The act of contact abuse on each of these levels involves more serious behavior including touching, stroking, sexual affection, and intercourse. The non-contact levels of behavior have not fallen under a specific class of abuse. In...
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