ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

Sexual harassment includes many different behaviors on a spectrum, from physical to verbal and non-verbal violations. This includes:

• sexual acts and behaviors that are punishable under criminal law
  such as sexual assault, coercion or rape

• unwanted sexual advances
  whether or not they are linked to promises of benefits or threats of disadvantages

• unwanted physical contact, requests for sexual acts, intrusive behavior

• sexually suggestive comments
  particularly those concerning a person’s appearance and physical attributes, as well as sexist remarks and jokes about sexual characteristics, sexual behavior or sexual orientation

• intentional or unintentional display or distribution of pornographic material

Note the different uses of the term ‘sexual harassment’ in different languages. In English-speaking countries, sexual harassment covers the above mentioned wide range of behaviors. In German, sexual harassment is distinguished from sexist insults. 

People affected by sexual harassment suffer psychological and often also physical harm:

• such as feelings of (intense) unconsciousness, social withdrawal, feelings of guilt, post-traumatic symptoms such as sleep disorders, anxiety, emotional distress, and typically somatic complaints, e.g. gastrointestinal problems and pain

• Signs of sexual harssment in working life may include concentrating difficulties, a drop in performance, stress or significant behavioral changes

Feel free to say ‘no’ if you feel sexually harassed! Whether it's a superior or supervisor, a colleague, a lecturer or fellow student – you have the right to do so. It's about respecting your personal boundaries and protecting yourself in your working or learning environment. There are various ways to defend yourself against unwanted behavior while it's happening or after:

• React immediately
  Let the person or people know immediately and unequivocally that their behavior is unwelcome. If you feel they are not taking you seriously, inform them that you will get in touch with the a person of trust or university's relevant support services.

• React afterwards
  If you would prefer not to confront the person directly, write to them. Explain in writing what is bothering you and ask them to stop their inappropriate behavior.

• Document the incident
  You should document the events in writing and keep any evidence. Make a note of the names of the person/people harassing you, the date, time, place and type of harassment, what actions you took, as well as any witnesses. Save any sexually inappropriate emails, text messages or other pieces of evidence.

• Talk to others
  Share your concerns with people you trust and dare to accept support from those around you. Nevertheless, you decide on every further step yourself.

• Seek advice from the Personal Integrity Office
  If you experience sexual harassment in the university context, don’t hesitate to seek advice from the Personal Integrity Office. It will handle all your concerns sensitively and in confidence. You decide on the next steps yourself.

• Consider informing your superior
  If you experience sexual harassment in the university context, consider informing your superior, who has a duty to ensure a harassment-free working environment.

If you observe sexual harassment, don’t look away—ask the person affected if you can help. 

• While harassment is happening
  Don’t laugh along at typically sexist remarks; stand up for the respectful treatment of others. Make the harassing person aware that their behavior has crossed the line and is inappropriate.

• Show support for those affected
  If you suspect that someone is being sexually harassed, talk to that person about it. Inform them about the relevant contact persons and university's advisory centers, and if necessary, offer support. This could e.g. involve accompanying them to meetings with their superior.

• Options within a team or larger context
  Inform your superiors or lecturers about uncomfortable situations. Do not, however, take any further action on your own without the agreement of the person who you suspect is experiencing harassment.

As a superior, supervisor or lecturer you have an obligation to ensure a work and study environment that is free of harassment. What specific actions can you take?

• Set an example
  Demonstrate best practices when it comes to respectful interactions with your team or seminar participants. Discuss the issue of harassment and actively take a stand: Stress that while open and tolerant interaction prevails at the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, there is absolutely no tolerance for harassment of any kind. Make people aware of the university's advisory centers, or let people know you are available for confidential conversations.

• Raise awareness, provide information, foster team building, get support
  Raise awareness and link to the corresponding pages on the university website. Get in touch with the Personal Integrity Office if you would like to receive further information regarding your responsibilities, options for action or and preventive measures.

• Know you duties as a superior
  to protect the person affected and note the presumption of innocence for the accused.

• Set boundaries
  Stop any sexual harassment in your working environment. Take any reports of harassment seriously. Find out more about the situation immediately and remain impartial.

• Reflect on your own behavior
  Have you been told that you did not respect another person's boundaries? Are you unsure whether your behavior was appropriate? Sexual harassment has serious consequences for everyone involved. Make an active effort to change your behavior.

• Apologize
  If you are unsure whether you have inadvertently crossed a boundary, discuss it with the person concerned in a public place (e.g., cafeteria). If the person feels uncomfortable, apologize for your behavior. 

• Seek advice
  Find the courage to reflect on your behavior and deal with the issue. University's advisory centers will handle your concerns confidentially.

• Rights of the other party
  Accept that your counterpart has a right to defend themselves. Do not pressure them.