Prevalence, Forms, and Educational Impact of Sexual Harassment among Students with Hearing Impairment in Special Education Schools of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Sexual harassment in educational settings remains a significant yet underexplored issue, particularly among students with hearing impairment who face increased vulnerability due to communication barriers and limited reporting mechanisms. This study examined the prevalence, forms, and educational impact of sexual harassment among hearing-impaired students (aged 12–19 years) in special education schools of Punjab, Pakistan, using a descriptive survey design. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select participants from 19 government special education schools across different zones of Punjab. Data were collected through the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ) and a researcher-developed scale, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that students experienced overall moderate levels of sexual harassment, with coercion and sexual threats identified as the most prevalent forms, followed by social, digital, physical, and verbal harassment. Significant differences were observed across gender, geographic zones, and severity of hearing impairment, with female students and those with profound hearing loss reporting higher vulnerability. Furthermore, sexual harassment was found to have a consistent negative impact on students’ psychological well-being, cognitive functioning, classroom behavior, and academic participation, highlighting the need for inclusive safeguarding policies, accessible reporting systems, and targeted awareness programs to ensure safe and supportive learning environments for students with hearing impairment.