Teachers’ experiences in managing sexual harassment among learners in secondary schools, Seshego Circuit, Limpopo province

Abstract

This study, titled ‘Teachers’ Experiences in Managing Sexual Harassment Among Learners in Secondary Schools, Seshego Circuit, Limpopo Province, was conducted with the purpose of probing the experiences of teachers in dealing with sexual harassment among learners in secondary schools. The study took place in selected schools in a rural/semi-rural area, where high incidences of sexual harassment had been recorded. The study was undertaken in an effort to address the problem and identify why this was occurring as well as what teachers and school management were doing or could undertake to reduce and even stop this scourge.. The researcher made use of qualitative research to identify and study in depth the phenomenon and yield insight into and understanding of the problem. Findings from the study revealed disparities in teachers’ understanding of sexual harassment and this contributed to the separate way sexual harassment is handled when reported. The study revealed that teachers do not proactively prevent sexual harassment at these schools, nor are there any corrective measures in place for the different levels of offences.