UNIVERSITÄT

Gender-based violence, sexual harassment and sexist behaviour

Contact

Office of the Equal Opportunities Working Group

E-Mail: AKG [dot] buero [at] aau [dot] at

Information material

According to the Equal Treatment Act, gender-based violence and sexual harassment are regarded as a form of discrimination. Apart from gender-based violence and sexual harassment, forbidden discrimination also includes sexist behaviour. These are all forms of violence and abuse.

The approach is not reciprocal, but happens against the will of one of the parties concerned. Harassers often try to demonstrate power and dominance and violate the dignity of the individual concerned.

FAQ – sexual harassment, gender-based violence, sexist behaviour

Sexual harassment

The Federal Equal Treatment Act (Bundes-Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, B-GlBG) defines sexual harassment as an action related to the sexual sphere that violates another person’s dignity and is perceived as unwanted, inappropriate, degrading, insulting, or offensive by the person at which it is directed.

Gender-based violence

The Federal Equal Treatment Act (Bundes-Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, B-GlBG) defines gender-based violence as a gender-based behaviour, which injures a person’s dignity or is aimed at doing so, and which is regarded as unwanted, inappropriate, degrading, insulting or offensive by the person concerned.

Sexist behaviour

Sexist behaviour is usually a manifestation of specific, asymmetrical power structures, where people take advantage of and abuse their own position of power. It is not per se a type of behaviour characteristic of any specific sex. However, given the prevailing power relations, it is far more common for women to suffer sexist behaviour from men than the other way around. Furthermore, intersex, transgender and non-binary people may be subject to harassment.

Strategies against sexual harassment

If possible, respond immediately, try to act in a self-confident manner and set clear boundaries. Prepare a written record of what happened. Be sure to save any relevant e-mails or other documents. Seek professional help and advice from the Working Group for Equal Opportunities.

What to do if you witness or hear about a case of sexual harassment

Do not look away. Talk to the persons affected to find out which kind of support they would like to receive. Do not take any action against the victim’s will. Get in touch with the appropriate people or university units that can provide you with further information.

If you are in a position of responsibility (e.g. a supervisor, course instructor, trusted contact) your duty of care requires that you act immediately if a case of harassment is reported to you. You are obligated to investigate the issue and take appropriate action.