Countering Sexual Harassment and Assault in Outer Space: Contributions from a Criminological Perspective

Clamp, Kerry

Abstract

As human activity in outer space increases, the potential for conflict, crime, and victimisation emerges as a vital but overlooked criminological concern. This chapter explores several questions to identify relevant criminological knowledge and learning for space crime research, thus contributing to this emerging field of study in two ways. First, the chapter draws parallels with sexual harassment and assault in the space industry and extreme terrestrial locations, like Antarctica, and social isolation during COVID-19 lockdowns. The analysis identifies challenges and considerations supporting the need for innovative responses beyond legalism to counter sexual harassment and assault in outer space. Second, the chapter promotes a shift from a ‘punishment mentality' to a ‘risk mentality' in preventing sexual harassment and assault in outer space. It introduces restorative practice to implement this shift, emphasising the importance of workplace managers possessing the skillset to effectively manage relationships and promote an inclusive, respectful workplace culture that enhances wellbeing and prevents harm. In cases of conflict, institutions can use restorative practice to respond to individual incidents and apply lessons across incidents to initiate institutional reform. The example of restorative engagement conversations used by the Australian Defence Force Taskforce's illustrates this process. In conclusion, a risk mentality combined with a restorative practice skillset shows promise for addressing sexual assault and harassment prevalent in the space industry and reducing the likelihood of such incidents occurring in outer space.

Citation

Clamp, K. (2024). Countering Sexual Harassment and Assault in Outer Space: Contributions from a Criminological Perspective. In Y. Eski, & J. Lampkin (Eds.), Crime, Criminal Justice and Ethics in Outer Space: International Perspectives. Taylor & Francis (Routledge). https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003437178

• Online Publication Date: Dec 12, 2024
• Publication Date: Dec 12, 2024
• Deposit Date: Dec 12, 2024
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Book Title: Crime, Criminal Justice and Ethics in Outer Space: International Perspectives
• Chapter Number: 17
• ISBN: 9781032567907
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003437178
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/42811771
• Publisher URL: https://www.routledge.com/Crime-Criminal-Justice-and-Ethics-in-Outer-Space-International-Perspectives/Eski-Lampkin/p/book/9781032567907?srsltid=AfmBOopaiPLrjT9aBzsKgTSNCgT5031zcBGyTae11Ce00-lGWvvwYsa-
• Contract Date: Apr 6, 2023