B8.1a
Tracks
Stream B
| Saturday, October 31, 2026 |
| 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM |
Overview
An Integrative Review of Sexual Harassment in Correctional Workplaces: Insights from Ecological Systems Theory | 15 mins
Presenter
Dr Charlotte Keenan
The University Of Queensland
An Integrative Review of Sexual Harassment in Correctional Workplaces: Insights from Ecological Systems Theory
10:45 AM - 11:00 AMAbstract
Authors: Charlotte Keenan, Kirsten Way, Yiqiong Li, Michelle Tuckey, Charlotte Lindo
Despite sustained efforts to prevent workplace sexual harassment (WSH), it remains prevalent globally and in Australia (McDonald et al., 2015; Heymann et al., 2023), particularly within male-dominated industries such as corrective services (Riddle & Heaton, 2023). Prior research highlights the persistence of ‘boys’ club’ cultures that normalise sexual harassment and discrimination (McDonald & Thomas, 2020), yet less is known about how multilevel factors interact to sustain these behaviours. This study presents an integrative review examining the drivers of sexual harassment in correctional workplaces through the lens of Ecological Systems Theory (Bronfenbrenner, 2000). This review aims to addresses how individual, interpersonal, organisational, and broader sociocultural factors contribute to the perpetration of WSH in corrective services. By synthesising evidence across levels, the review will identify key risk contexts and their interdependencies, offering a comprehensive framework to inform targeted, multilevel prevention strategies in correctional settings and similar high-risk industries.
Despite sustained efforts to prevent workplace sexual harassment (WSH), it remains prevalent globally and in Australia (McDonald et al., 2015; Heymann et al., 2023), particularly within male-dominated industries such as corrective services (Riddle & Heaton, 2023). Prior research highlights the persistence of ‘boys’ club’ cultures that normalise sexual harassment and discrimination (McDonald & Thomas, 2020), yet less is known about how multilevel factors interact to sustain these behaviours. This study presents an integrative review examining the drivers of sexual harassment in correctional workplaces through the lens of Ecological Systems Theory (Bronfenbrenner, 2000). This review aims to addresses how individual, interpersonal, organisational, and broader sociocultural factors contribute to the perpetration of WSH in corrective services. By synthesising evidence across levels, the review will identify key risk contexts and their interdependencies, offering a comprehensive framework to inform targeted, multilevel prevention strategies in correctional settings and similar high-risk industries.
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Dr Charlotte Keenan is a registered Psychologist and Research Fellow at The University of Queensland and Griffith University, specialising in organisational psychology. Her research focuses on workplace dynamics, particularly workplace sexual harassment, psychosocial hazards, and employee wellbeing. She works closely with industry and government partners through the BRIDGES at Work program (https://www.bridgesatwork.au/) to develop practical, evidence-informed approaches that foster safer and more respectful workplaces. Dr Keenan is committed to translating research into meaningful change that promotes equity and psychological health at work.
