Predictors of Educator Sexual Misconduct Victimisation in Ireland and the U.K

Educator sexual misconduct (ESM) is reported in secondary education institutions worldwide. Sexual harassment, a subset of ESM, is under researched and is more difficult to identify, yet is potentially more pervasive. Currently, there is limited research available on those who are at greater risk of educator-to-student sexual harassment, and the outcomes associated with their experiences. This study aimed to fill this gap by exploring ESM among those who attended secondary education in Ireland and/or the U.K. (n = 561). Logistic regression analysis determined the predictive nature of gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity on whether the respondents experienced four unique variations of ESM during their time in secondary education: sexual harassment, sexist harassment, unwanted sexual attention, and online harassment. Non-male students were at increased risk of sexual and sexist harassment compared to their male peers, but not of unwanted sexual attention or online harassment. Non-heterosexual orientation predicted these same ESM experiences, while also being non-significant in predicting unwanted sexual attention and online harassment. Ethnicity was only significant in predicting unwanted sexual attention. The results are consistent with findings established using international samples. Gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity may be implicated in ESM victimisation within Ireland and the U.K. ESM impacted participation in school/extra-curricular events of 38% of respondents. Victims reported the teacher in 3% of cases, asked for advice or support in 3%, and ignored the teacher in 33%. Further research is necessary to produce more generalisable findings.