Sexual Harassment in the Federal Workplace

What factors influence the likelihood that a federal worker will receive unwanted sexual attention? Who is most likely to be accused of sexual harassment? What factors influence federal workers' perceptions of the effectiveness of agency sexual harassment training? Using the raw data file of the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board's most recent survey on sexual harassment, the authors find that worker characteristics are the principal influence on the likelihood that a worker will receive unwanted sexual attention and whether an agency's sexual harassment training is perceived favorably. Contextual factors demonstrate lesser influence. Their conclusions lead the authors to believe that a reevaluation of training programs is in order. A one‐size‐fits‐all training approach may no longer be tenable, if it ever was.     

Assessment and Intervention with Parents to Stabilize Children Who Have Witnessed Violence

When children are exposed to violence, interventions require the assessment of parents. Whether parents can create a safe environment, are able to hear their children's story of their exposure, and then can help them move forward in healthy life patterns, must be evaluated. When safety is established, treatment of parents must be focused on how the parent can enhance the child's sense of security and empathic connection. Assessment must identify the red flags that suggest a need for more intensive work with the parent to address these issues, before specific work with the child begins. Treatment can utilize the parent's best wishes for their child to help motivate parents do the work needed for their own and their children's recovery.     

Social Support Choices for Help with Abusive Relationships: Perceptions of African American Women

A recent national telephone study of the African American community found that over 90% of respondents would feel comfortable talking to a family member or friend who was being abused about the abuse, with the majority advising she get help from a domestic violence program. The purpose of this study was to understand how comfortable abused women would feel talking to members of her support system about the abuse and how comfortable women who have not experienced partner abuse would feel if they were abused. Over 70% of women who have experienced abuse reported at least some comfort getting assistance for abuse from a friend, clergy/spiritual leader, Black community member, family member their age, or physician. Women who reported never experiencing physical or sexual partner violence were less likely to perceive feeling comfortable getting assistance from their social support systems (both formal and informal) if they were abused. Implications of these findings are discussed.     

Transforming Public Health Law: The Turning Point Model State Public Health Act

Law is an essential tool for improving public health infrastructure and outcomes; however, existing state statutory public health laws may be insufficient. Built over decades in response to various diseases/conditions, public health laws are antiquated, divergent, and confusing. The Turning Point Public Health Statute Modernization National Collaborative addressed the need for public health law reform by producing a comprehensive model state act. The Act provides scientifically, ethically, and legally sound provisions on public health infrastructure, powers, duties, and practice. This article examines (1) how statutory law can be a tool for improving the public's health, (2) existing needs for public health law reform, (3) themes and provisions of the Turning Point Act, and (4) how it is being used by public health practitioners.     

Evaluating small town policing: Methodological issues

This research provides helpful information for those who evaluate police performance. While researchers commonly espouse the merit of using more than one form of research police evaluation often involves citizen surveys exclusively. Demographic factors and the “halo effect” can influence police evaluations, particularly in rural communities which are especially vulnerable to political agendas and personal relationships that can skew survey data. Our research finds that while citizens generally evaluate police favorably, a high percentage of “don't know” responses suggest that citizens are not prepared to evaluate all aspects of police services. Furthermore, police evaluator observation reveals that police services were inadequate, both within the organization of the department and the patrol practices. Finally, some questions, not traditionally included in police evaluation surveys reveal high levels of fear among citizens. These inconsistencies question the exclusive use of citizen surveys and may indicate indirect evidence of a “halo effect”. A conscientious effort to combine quantitative and qualitative measures may better capture relevant information concerning the quality of police services. Authors' Note: Loreen Wolfer, Ph.D., and Thomas E. Baker, M.S., M.ED., are Assistant Professors in the Department of Sociology/Criminal Justice, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510. This research was supported by a federal grant, number, ORI# FBI ID # PA 040-2500, U.S. Department of Justice (Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS). Points of view or opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the official position of U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice or the COPS office