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Protection against Sexual Harassment and Violence

  1.  University of bamberg
  2. University
  3. Characteristics and Culture
  4. Diversity
  5. Diversity Management
  6. Protection against Sexual Harassment and Violence

Contact point regarding questions for the protection against sexual harassment and violence

The University of Bamberg advocates a collaborative working and study environment.

For this reason, there is no place at the university for sexualized discrimination, harassment and violence, since it is our duty to protect all members of the university against sexualized harassment.

This is also anchored in the university’s “Respecting Boundaries” guidelines (Richtlinie “Grenzen wahren”(140.9 KB)), which serves as a guideline for respectful cooperation. 

 

What are sexualized discrimination, harassment and violence?

Sexualized discrimination and violence are forms of gender discrimination, violations of the principle of equal treatment and attacks on the dignity and personal rights of those affected.

Sexual harassment is unwelcomed, sexually motivated behavior that violates the victim’s dignity and creates an environment characterized by intimidation, hostility, humiliation, degradation or insults. 

Sexualized violence refers to all acts that violate a person's right to sexual self-determination.

Sexualized harassment and violence are particularly – but not exclusively – expressed in the following actions:

  • degrading sexualized comments about people or their bodies
  • exhibition or display of degrading, sexualized, pornographic depictions
  • sexually derogatory gestures, solicitation or acts
  • inappropriate and/or unwanted physical contact
  • exhibitionism
  • violent physical assaults

If you feel that your boundaries have been violated or that someone has acted in a way that caused you harm, then your feeling is correct. You don't have to justify yourself. You are never to blame for abusive behavior.

If you have experienced sexualized discrimination, harassment or violence, we encourage you to take the following steps:

  • Contact someone you trust and talk to them about what you have experienced.
  • If possible, clearly show the person harassing you your boundaries and make it clear that you will not tolerate the harassing behavior.
  • Document the incidents. Back up emails, documents, chat histories, etc. in a secure place.
  • Take a consultation. At our university, trained contact persons are available to you. See the section below for more information.

If you are in a situation of acute threat, the following applies:

  • Show your boundaries, but do not put yourself in danger.
  • Keep your distance from the harassing person.
  • Ask bystanders to help you.
  • Call the police (110) immediately if you feel the situation is escalating.

At the University of Bamberg, various trained contact persons are available to you when seeking confidential advice.

Cindy Stroemel-Scheder (they/them)

Contact Person for Anti-Discrimination

Contact Person for questions regarding the protection against sexual harassment and violence

Mail: sbg(at)uni-bamberg.de

Equal Opportunity Officers

Responsibly for the university's academic support staff

Dr. Katharina Kanitz & Romy Schatzschneider

Web: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/en/representative-officers/equal-opportunity-officer/ 

Mail: gleichstellungsbeauftragte(at)uni-bamberg.de

 

All inquiries are treated with strict confidentiality.

In a consultation, the situation is assessed and together it is discussed what further steps are possible. You are welcome to be accompanied by a person you trust. You alone decide which further measures should follow.

All information shared with contact persons for sexualized harassment and violence is subject to data protection regulations.

No information will be shared with other university departments. If other university bodies are to be involved in a consultation or a complaint, this will only occur with the written consent of the person concerned.

If requested, those affected can be supported in subsequent mediation and conciliation talks and accompanied in complaint procedures.

Dealing sensitively with sexualized harassment and violence is a sign of leadership quality. Sexualized harassment must not be tolerated, trivialized or ignored by superiors. If you notice that boundaries are violated or if employees ask for your help, you must take action. If you are not sure what to do in such a situation, contact the above named contact persons.

  • Keep calm. Be empathetic and listen.
  • Always take reports of violated boundaries, sexualized harassment and sexualized violence seriously.
  • Treat all conversations confidential.
  • Do not ask for justifications.
  • Encourage the person concerned to seek a consultation and support from a professionally trained contact person of the university.
  • Do not initiate any further steps without the consent of the person concerned. They alone decide what further steps to take.
  • If necessary, take measures to protect the person concerned.
  • Take a clear stand against any form of transgressions. Make it clear that sexualized harassment and violence will not be tolerated in your work environment.
  • Support the promotion of respectful interaction with one another.

  • Keep calm.
  • Take every form of harassing behavior seriously.
  • Offer your support without putting yourself at risk.
  • Do not do anything without the consent of the person concerned.
  • In a situation of acute threat, call the police immediately (110).
     

Online handout “Sexualized discrimination and violence at universities” from bukof

Information, support and materials can be found in the online handout “Sexualized Discrimination and Violence at Universities” (link; german) from the Federal Conference of Women and Equal Opportunities Representatives at Universities (bukof).
The Commission “Sexualized Discrimination and Violence at Universities” aims to reduce disadvantages for women in their studies and in professional life caused by sexualized discrimination and violence at universities. It is committed to ensuring that prevention measures and the establishment of adequate intervention options are implemented.

The Violence against Women Helpline

The Violence against women helpline is a nationwide counselling service for women who have experienced or are still experiencing violence. Counselling is provided online as well as by calling 08000 116 016. Counselling is anonymous, free of charge and available around the clock.

Emergency Hotline in case of sexual violence (only available in German)

The “Notruf bei sexualisierter Gewalt” supports women, men and children who are experiencing or have experienced sexual violence.

Luitpoldstraße 28
96052 Bamberg
Phone: 0951 30 94 33 41
Mail: notruf(at)skf-bamberg.de 

Women's shelter

Counselling and accommodation for threatened and abused women. Contact is possible around the clock by telephone.

Phone: 0951 5 82 80
Mail: frauenhaus(at)skf-bamberg.de 

Caritas: Social Counselling ing Bamberg

Geyerswörthstr. 2
96047 Bamberg
Phone: 0951 29957 20

Mail: soziale.beratung.bamberg(at)caritas-bamberg-forchheim.de 

WEISSE RING e.V.

WEISSE RING e.V. supports victims of violence and crime with a wide range of counselling services. Counselling can be obtained both online and by telephone (116 006).

Upper Franconia Police

You can get confidential counselling at the Upper Franconia Police (Polizei Oberfranken).