VSB-TUO stands against any form of sexually inappropriate behaviour whether it is unwelcome sexual attention, sexually coloured communication, or even sexual blackmail or coercion in the workplace and in classes.
We promote mutual respect among university employees, teachers and students, and students themselves.
All persons working or studying at the university or cooperating with the university should respect the personalities and rights of others.
Cases of sexual harassment are a very serious violation of good relations both at the workplace and in education, often showing signs of a crime.
Sexual harassment may not only involve physical contact between the aggressor and the victim, but may also involve verbal or non-verbal harassment, or psychological pressure.
Since the perception of sexual harassment or coercion (even verbal one) is very subjective and each individual has different boundaries, it is necessary to refrain from any behaviour that could be considered inappropriate and harassing by the other party.
- Avoid any behaviour that is generally considered inappropriate whether it is physical contact or verbal expression with sexual overtones or the declaration of gender or other (e.g., appearance-based) stereotypes.
- Even if your behaviour does not meet the above-mentioned characteristics, but it is rejected by the other party on the grounds of being perceived as such by the other party, stop this behaviour immediately.
- If one of the parties requests it, have an impartial third person available or at least act with an open door during an evaluation interview or any negotiation between superiors and subordinates but also between colleagues.
- Teachers should avoid individual activities in closed rooms when consulting or testing students, as a precaution in order to prevent inappropriate situations, they should invite students to the exam room in larger numbers or share the room with a colleague during the exam or leave the door open.
The basic rule for you as an employee or student encountering inappropriate behaviour that shows signs of sexual harassment is to strongly warn the other party that this behaviour is unacceptable to you. Subsequently, you can proceed according to the instructions How to proceed if you encounter sexual harassment at VSB-TUO. Proceed in the same way even if you notice such behaviour in your surroundings.