Sexual harassment
The University of Lucerne is a place of encounter and dialogue, built on mutual respect and a commitment to a safe environment for all. Protecting members of the university from sexual harassment and upholding the personal integrity of every individual are therefore among our highest priorities.
Sexual harassment is a serious form of gender discrimination and a direct violation of human dignity. It is strictly prohibited at the University of Lucerne and will not be tolerated in any form.
The contact person at the Office of Equal Opportunity for matters relating to sexual harassment, preventive measures and other questions on the subject is Matthias Luterbach, matthias.luterbach@unilu.ch
Sexual harassment in the workplace or at university refers to any behaviour of a sexual nature that is unwanted by one party. The decisive factor in determining whether behaviour constitutes sexual harassment is not the harasser’s intention, but how their behaviour is perceived by the person affected – in other words, whether the latter perceives the behaviour as welcome or unwanted.
Examples of sexual harassment include:
Sexual harassment in the workplace or at university refers to any behaviour of a sexual nature that is unwanted by the recipient. Whether behaviour constitutes sexual harassment is determined not by the intent of the person responsible, but by how it is perceived by those affected - that is, whether they experience it as welcome or unwanted.
The following are examples of sexual harassment:
- Unwanted display or dissemination of sexualised images or content
- Sexualised communication through any channel
- Sexual advances accompanied by promises of benefit or threats of consequence
- Unwanted physical contact, intrusive behaviour (including uninvited invitations), requests for sexual acts, or exhibitionist behaviour
- Stalking of staff or students within or outside the university
- Pressure to obtain sexual favours, whether through promises of benefit or threats of disadvantage
Note that a single incident is sufficient; repeated behaviour is not required.
A detailed information sheetaddresses the most important questions and offers practical guidance on setting and enforcing personal boundaries. It also outlines the responsibilities of managers and staff in preventing sexual harassment.
Four confidential advisors, drawn from across the three Lucerne universities, are available to all members of the University of Lucerne. They provide confidential advice and support to anyone affected by sexual harassment.
If you have experienced sexual harassment, you may also contact the Investigating Body - either directly or through a confidential advisor. The Investigating Body is responsible for conducting inquiries and, where there is sufficient grounds for suspicion, initiating a formal investigation.
The University Council has adopted a set of regulations on the prevention of and protection against sexual harassment at the University of Lucerne.
In its policy statement, the University has committed itself to taking a firm stand against sexual harassment. Line managers and the Human Resources department are obliged to intervene in cases of sexual harassment, to put a stop to such behaviour, to investigate the matter and to take appropriate action.
The e-learning tool on sexual harassment is designed to help participants recognise sexual harassment and practise how to respond in different situations. It serves as a reminder of rights, duties, obligations and responsibilities.
