Firefighting Women and Sexual Harassment

Abstract

Utilizing the results from a nationwide sample of fire departments and women firefighters, this article analyzes whether there are differences between sexually harassed women firefighters and their non-harassed female co-workers. The findings reflect no differences on demographic and departmental characteristics. Sexually harassed women firefighters, however, report more job stress, sexual stereotyping, and acts of violence. They feared coming to work and used sick leave more often than their non-harassed co-workers. Implications for the fire service and other male-dominated public agencies are discussed and strategies for implementing an aggressive sexual harassment policy are provided.