Revealing Realities. Experiences of sexual harassment among female students at a higher education institution in Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual harassment in the university, remains a persistent issue, manifesting in diverse manners that undermine the dignity of victims. Objective: To identify sexual harassment experiences among female university students. Methodology: A qualitative narrativephenomenological research approach was conducted, through non-probabilistic sampling, victims of sexual harassment within the university were selected and in-depth validated by experts’ interviews were applied, the narratives were analyzed through open coding. Results: Sexual harassment within the university is influenced by contextual factors and manifests in escalating patterns rooted in patriarchal culture. These practices often begin with low-intensity behaviors and may escalate as perpetrators exploit power imbalances, while victims become increasingly aware of the risks and attempt to activate mitigation or coping strategies. Manifestations of harassment include stalking, persistent and unwanted visits, verbal threats, insinuations, sexually suggestive comments, coercion, misuse of social media, blackmail through the abuse of power, and the exploitation of students' academic needs. Discussion: Sexual harassment in the university es a practice that usually escalates progressively, starting with subtle behaviors and increasing in severity, protected by a patriarchal culture. It manifests itself through insinuations, threats, blackmail and misuse of power, especially in hierarchical relationships. To confront it, clear institutional measures and a profound cultural change are required. Conclusions: Sexual harassment is present in educational environment, with male.