Sexuelle Belästigung durch zu Pflegende und zu Betreuende – Untersuchung der Prävalenz, der Häufigkeit und des Zusammenhangs mit Befindensbeeinträchtigungen bei Beschäftigten des Sozial- und Gesundheitswesens in Deutschland

Sexual harassment by those in need of care and support – Investigation of the prevalence, frequency and association with impairments of well-being among employees in the social services and healthcare sector in Germany Social services and healthcare workers are at high risk of experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace. So far only a few studies have systematically investigated social services and healthcare workers’ experiences of different forms of sexual harassment by those in need of care and support in Germany. This study aimed to address the gap by determining the prevalence rates and frequency of nonverbal, verbal, and physical sexual harassment of social services and healthcare workers by those in need of care and support. In addition, the correlations of sexual harassment with the workers’ mental well-being were examined and their awareness of offers of organisational support for sexual harassment prevention and aftercare described. Data were collected from n = 901 employees working in a total of 61 facilities, including inpatient and outpatient care, psychiatric facilities, hospitals, and facilities for persons with disabilities. While the prevalence and frequency of the three forms of sexual harassment differed across sectors, the results indicated that nonverbal, verbal and physical sexual harassment is frequent in social services and healthcare work, with both men and women being affected. Furthermore, there is a positive correlation between the experience of sexual harassment at the workplace by those in need of care and support and impairment to the mental well-being (e. g. depression and psychosomatic complaints) of those affected. In terms of the support available for sexual harassment prevention and aftercare, approximately one-third of social services and healthcare workers were not aware of any offers at their facilities. This study provides further recommendations for the development of interventions for prevention and aftercare and suggests several avenues for future research. Keywords: sexual harassment – social and health care sector – prevention and aftercare