Women employed in casual and contract jobs have been found to be more vulnerable to unwanted sexual advances than those in permanent full-time positions, according to a recent study.

Women in part-time or non-permanent jobs are about ten times more likely to be sexually harassed at work, says Associate Professor Anthony La Montagne of the University of Melbourne, which conducted the study.

Montagne who examined the likelihood of sexual harassment in different types of employment found that casual job workers are also about five times more likely to be subjected to sexual harassment than permanent employees.

New Delhi-based Centre for Social Research director Ranjana Kumari says, "In contract jobs the employee is always insecure and at the mercy of the employer thus increasing the vulnerability of the employee."

She points out: "In such cases you are not in a position to even negotiate, because if you raise your voice then the employer can easily throw you out since you are not permanent in the job."

Pyschologist Samir Parikh, however is of the opinion, "Apart from insecurity it is the mindset of the other person that plays an important role."

"Whoever makes such advances feels that since they are on permanent roll they can get away with such things and take undue advantage of temporary employees," he adds.

The study also establishes that women are more vulnerable to sexual abuse in comparison to their male counterparts.

"Our study shows that 79 per cent of those who experience unwanted sexual advances at work are women," says La Montagne. In the Indian context too the findings are found to stand true.

Ranjana says, "It's a well-established fact since years women are more sexually-harassed. The prime concern for most women is that they are able to sustain their jobs and thus never speak-out about it."

"Also a woman realises that if she protests there are chances that her character would be put to question, so she puts up with the harassment," adds Ranjana.

The study also highlights a strong link between sexual harassment and mental health problems.

"People who behave in this manner may not have any actual mental problems but they are unable to respect the other person," says Samir.

He adds "The person inclined towards sexual harassment has a coveted type of mind-set. Bringing the other person at par with the rest of colleagues becomes difficult for him."