Stifled Screams: Experiences of Survivors of Sexual Harassment in First-Generation Universities in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of survivors of sexual harassment, as well as reportage factors and outcomes, psychosocial sequelae, and how survivors coped in first-generation higher-education institutions in Southwestern Nigeria. A qualitative exploration of the experience of 12 (11 females and 1 male) participants using in-depth interviews was conducted. The findings were grouped into four broad themes, namely: (i) experience of sexual harassment, (ii) reporting patterns, (iii) coping strategies, and (iv) the physical and emotional impact of sexual harassment. Most survivors had experienced sexual harassment multiple times and same-sex harassment occurs in higher-education institutions. Survivors did not report to university authorities because of the perception that the support from the environment was poor. Many shared information with their support networks or visited a psychologist for mental health care. Others used maladaptive coping mechanisms such as increased alcohol consumption. Mental health symptoms ranged from mild to severe. Institutes of higher education need to take decisive actions to improve the environment and to promote the prompt reporting of sexual harassment by survivors; they must also provide access to support to prevent the development of mental health problems, which are a common post-event occurrence, as identified in the present study.