Abstract

Globally, the number of cases of sexual assault in higher education institutions (HEIs) has been mounting, mostly affecting female students’ mental well-being. This study employed an exploratory qualitative methodological approach to investigate incidents of sexual harassment as perceived and experienced by female students at a tertiary institution in South Africa. The study hinges on Hagan’s Power and Control Theory, which seeks to explain patterns of abusive behaviours in heterosexual relationships. Owing to the sensitivity of the topic, purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit a small but diverse sample of ten participants. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews and later transcribed verbatim in preparation for data analysis. Following Braun and Clarke’s six steps of data analysis, the study revealed that the participants had experienced gender-based violence (GBV) and sexually transmitted infections due to socio-political, cultural and economic factors such as poverty, alcohol abuse, patriarchal norms and campus activities. The power dynamics between male lecturers and female students was cited as compromising female students’ mental well-being and resulted in some participants experiencing depression and a decline in their academic performance. The findings of the study recommend the provision of ongoing counselling and empowerment programmes for female students and the implementation of education on sexual harassment policies at the universities.