Sexualized Harassment, Discrimination and Violence

The terms ‘sexual harassment’, ‘discrimination’ and ‘violence’ – based on the definition provided by the Federal Conference of Women’s Representatives and Equal Opportunities Officers (bukof) – cover all forms of sexualised behaviour that are unwanted, unwelcome or non-consensual. This ranges from suggestive remarks and jokes, through inappropriate invitations to private meetings, to sexual offences. The aim is to encourage members of the university community to speak out not only about clear breaches of boundaries but also about situations that may have been inappropriate. For when assessing an experience, the primary consideration should be that the person concerned feels their boundaries have been violated.

The HU’s protection policy aims to set out how the HU handles cases of sexual harassment, discrimination and violence for all staff, students and visitors – and to explain transparently how the University can take action against such cases and how those affected are supported.

What support services are available, and who is responsible? Where can you find support if you have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment? What consequences can and must those who discriminate expect? What options do we have as HU to take legal action?

These and many other important questions are addressed, explained and clearly set out in the protection policy. For everyday use, we are also providing you with information posters for A3 printing on the question “What to do if you experience or witness sexual harassment, discrimination and violence” as well as on the “HU Principles”.

The Protection Policy thus complements the “Statutes on Protection against Sexual Harassment, Sexualised Discrimination and Violence, and Stalking”, which have been in force at HU since 9 January 2025.