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Reporting workplace sexual harassment ‘not worth it’

A recent study suggests that two in five Australians who experienced workplace sexual harassment did not report it. Researchers argue that fear of retaliation, lack of trust in the system and feelings of powerlessness are major barriers to reporting. Despite legal reforms, most people still feel uncomfortable coming forward.

SourceFlinders University·JournalWork & Stress·TypeSurvey·DateJan 14, 2026

Even in egalitarian Sweden, a "culture of silence" may prevent university staff and students from reporting sexual harassment

A study at a Swedish public university found that only 8.1% of students who experienced rape or attempted rape reported the incident, highlighting a 'culture of silence'. The low reporting rate is attributed to factors such as social norms and fear of retaliation, sparking concerns over the effectiveness of reporting mechanisms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMar 26, 2025

Nearly 4 of 10 Americans report sports-related mistreatment

A new study found that nearly 40% of adult Americans report experiencing some form of sport-related mistreatment, with psychological and emotional abuse leading the way. The study also revealed that weight issues were a common reason for mistreatment, cited by 52% of respondents.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of the Sociology of Leisure·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2025

Brits still associate working-class accents with criminal behavior – study warns of bias in the criminal justice system

A recent study published in Frontiers in Communication reveals that people with non-standard accents are more likely to be associated with criminal behaviour, but perceptions vary between accents. The researchers found a significant link between class or status, negative traits, and expected behavior, particularly when it comes to crime.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalFrontiers in Communication·DateJan 17, 2025

Defining the line between virtual and reality

Researchers found that 49% of respondents experienced a moderate to extreme impact on their mental or emotional wellbeing after encountering negative experiences in virtual environments. The study highlights the need for metaverse companies to instill clear regulatory frameworks for safe virtual spaces.

SourceGriffith University·JournalAsian Journal of Criminology·DateAug 15, 2024

New gold standard survey shows alarmingly high rate of sexual exploitation across the United States

The revised SES-V survey found that 90% of adults in the US experienced some degree of sexual exploitation, including 60% of women and 29% of men who met the FBI definition of rape or attempted rape. The survey aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of sexual exploitation and its impact on society.

SourceKinsey Institute·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·TypeSurvey·DateJul 8, 2024

Most new doctors face some form of sexual harassment, even after #MeToo

New studies find over half of new doctors experience some form of sexual harassment in their first year, with women and men experiencing varying rates of recognition and types of harassment. The #MeToo movement has led to increased recognition of what constitutes harassment, but more work is needed for medical schools and hospitals.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeSurvey·DateMar 22, 2024

Sexual minority young people in Canada more likely to experience harmful police contact

A new study published in the Annals of Epidemiology found that bisexual individuals reported higher levels of police contact and law enforcement harassment in Canada. The study's authors call for greater police training to improve interactions with sexual minority persons and intervention efforts to support them after adverse experiences.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateJan 22, 2024

Influencers’ vulnerabilities: a double-edged sword

A Cornell University-led research finds that social media platforms and the metrics that reward content creators for revealing their innermost selves open them to identity-based harassment. Influencers use platform filtering systems and other strategies to manage vulnerabilities, but the authors caution that internet hate and harassmen...

SourceCornell University·JournalEuropean Journal of Cultural Studies·DateJan 2, 2024

Mental health care gaps for women veterans - report

The report found that women veterans face multiple barriers to accessing veteran-specific mental health services, including feelings of exclusion, lack of understanding by clinicians, and inadequate visibility in service branding. The study suggests improving clinician knowledge, increasing visibility of women's experiences, and provid...

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·TypeSurvey·DateDec 12, 2023

Sexual harassment and stereotyping: How coastal sciences are failing women in the field

New research reveals widespread harassment and stereotyping of women in coastal sciences, affecting their ability to participate in fieldwork and advance their careers. Women often experience objectification, discrimination, and micro-aggressions, which can be traumatic and disadvantage them professionally.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalCambridge Prisms Coastal Futures·TypeSurvey·DateOct 25, 2023

New research sheds light on how gender inequality in the media industry impacts job satisfaction

A new study by City University of London researchers found that lower perceptions of gender equality and workplace sexual harassment significantly impact job satisfaction in newsrooms globally. The study highlights the need for structural changes to combat inequalities affecting women in the industry, including policies to address all ...

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournalism Practice·TypeSurvey·DateAug 29, 2023

New study finds that women and underrepresented groups experience higher rates of sexual harassment, cyber incivility and negative workplace climate in academic medicine

A new study led by Reshma Jagsi found that women, racial and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of workplace mistreatment in academic medicine. The study examined the impact on mental health and recommended specific interventions for cultural transformation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·TypeSurvey·DateJun 6, 2023

UK cardiology societies issue joint policy statement to stamp out bullying, harassment, and discrimination in the specialty

The British Junior Cardiologists' Association (BJCA) and the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) have issued a joint policy statement to address bullying, harassment, and discrimination in UK cardiology departments. The statement emphasizes that every team member has a duty to call out inappropriate behaviors to drive culture change.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 30, 2023

Machine learning can help to flag risky messages on Instagram while preserving users’ privacy

A machine learning program can spot risky conversations on Instagram by analyzing metadata clues, such as conversation length and participant engagement. The system was 87% accurate in identifying risky chats using sparse and anonymous details from over 17,000 private chats.

SourceDrexel University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 17, 2023

New paper offers best practices for LGBTQ+ field scientists and mentors

A new paper provides evidence-based strategies to create safer experiences for marginalized gender and sexual identities in ecological field research. The authors recommend comprehensive protocols, safety plans, inclusive housing policies, and affirming healthcare to attract and retain a diverse workforce.

Survey reveals physical and mental problems among health workers during pandemic

A study by researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos found that 86% of health workers reported burnout and 81% suffered from stress. They also experienced depression, slept badly, and complained of aches and pains. The study aimed to assess the effects of long working hours and burden on physical and mental health.

Prevalence of online sexual offenses against children

A national survey of 2,600 individuals found that many youth have experienced online child sexual abuse, which can be an extension of dating abuse, bullying, or harassment. The study highlights the need for professionals to understand these dynamics when planning prevention and intervention strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 14, 2022

Horrible bosses cause ‘race to the bottom’ - study

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that hostile behavior from leaders can lead to co-workers adopting similar behavior, creating a toxic workplace environment. The research also discovered an association between experiencing hostile behavior and emotional exhaustion, job insecurity, and abusive peer behavior.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 30, 2022

Who flirts to get ahead at work? Study finds it’s most often subordinate men

A new study challenges traditional stereotypes by revealing that subordinate men are most likely to engage in social sexual behavior for personal gain. The research found that these men use unwanted flirtation and harassment to appear more powerful and masculine in the workplace.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2022

Higher risk of psychotropic medication after sexual harassment in the workplace

A Swedish study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that victims of sexual and gender-based harassment in the workplace are at a higher risk of prescribed psychotropic medication. The study analyzed over 23,000 participants and found a 20% increase in medication use among those who experienced harassment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2022