A study investigating sexual harassment was conducted among 265 female hospital workers in Italy. Three types of sexual harassment were studied: gender harassment, unwanted sexual attention, and sexual coercion. In the 12 months preceding the study, 42% of the respondents had experienced at least one type of harassment from colleagues, 29% from patients, and 54% from both. Sexual coercion was reported by 3% of respondents and was perpetrated only by colleagues. Harassment by colleagues was more common among women in authority positions and among women with financial worries or recent domestic violence. Harassment by patients was more common among nurses and night shift workers.
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