Sexual Coercion and Harassment of students with disabilities in a Public University in Ghana

Fred Gbagbo, University of Education, Winneba
Gifty Nana Yaa Rockson, University of Education, Winneba
Frank Quansah, University of Education, Winneba
Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, School of Public Health University of Technology Sydney Australia

There 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 unaware 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 strengthening policies and programs to protect students with disabilities from such unwarranted acts.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

See extended abstract.