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Sexual harassment within the police

Two policemen.

One of the tasks of the police is to take reports about sexual assault, investigate and to some extent prevent sexual offences. But what happens when sexual harassment and abuse takes place within the police?

The internal jargon of the police is often characterised by crude jokes and banter, and the line between jargon and harassment is not always clear. A strong internal loyalty and ‘blue code of silence’ makes it difficult to speak up about experiences of harassment from colleagues and supervisors.

We research sexual harassment within the police, and examine how harassment relates to the organizational and professional culture of the police. We study the relation between a sexualised jargon, jokes and banter on the one hand, and harassment and violations on the other. We also study internal resistance against the work to prevent sexual harassment within the police.

Research projects

Sexual harassment with the police: Crime victims, crime investigation and crime prevention

The research project Sexual harassment within the police: Crime victims, crime investigation and crime prevention examines how sexual harassment is experienced, dealt with and prevented within the police.

Grab'em by the....! Sexual harassment within the police

This research project departs from the realization that sexual harassment within the police force is not necessarily considered a problem. Instead, a sexualised jargong is often considered crucial to a professional identity as a police officer

Understanding and Intervening against Sexual Harassment at work (UISH)

The research project UISH examines understanding of sexual harassment from the perspectives of the harassed, bystanders and harassers, and how these understandings shape interventions against sexual harassment within the police.

Contact

Photo of Malin Wieslander

Malin Wieslander

Associate Professor, Docent
Photo of Silje Lundgren

Silje Lundgren

Associate Professor

Organisation

Division of Education, Teaching and Learning (PEDI)

Teachers' work and students' learning are in focus at the Division of Education, Teaching and Learning. This focus covers basic and advanced levels as well as graduate studies and research.
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Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning (IBL)

Human behaviour and learning is the focus for education and research at the department. We educate students and scientists that are well equipped to meet future challenges in society and working life.
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Gender studies (TEMAG)

At Tema Genus, we conduct research, PhD training, undergraduate and master’s education, and social outreach, all with a foundation in interdisciplinary gender studies and often together with international collaborators.

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