Sexual Harassment

No one should experience sexual harassment. Explore different forms of harassment, response options, and available support services.

Home Help & Advice FH OÖ Compass Life Sexual Harassment

Identifying Sexual Harassment 

According to the European Institute for Gender Equality, sexual harassment is defined as “any form of unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature occurs, with the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of a person, in particular when creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment”. [1]

Often times, sexual harassment is “typically, carried out in the context of abuse of power, promise of reward or threat of reprisal”. [1]

Sexual harassment is discrimination, and violates the Austrian Federal Equal Treatment Act, in which “nobody may be discriminated against in employment due to their gender, age, ethnicity, religion or views, or sexual orientation”.

In order to identify sexual harassment, it’s essential to become aware of your own perspective and biases, which are often a result of your upbringing, life experiences, and country of origin. Educate yourself and expand your perspectives by unlearning your own biases and engaging in constructive conversations with others.

The FH OÖ Compass upholds the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria’s guiding principle 10, which states: “We are committed to the fundamental right to education for all people and support people nationally and internationally in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills.” FH OÖ students are encouraged to ensure that FH OÖ is a safe, inclusive, and positive community for all.

[1] What is sexual harassment? | European Institute for Gender Equality

Forms of sexual harassment

Sexual harassment may be expressed in gestures, words or actions and may originate from individuals or groups. A distinction is made between verbal, nonverbal, and physical sexual conduct that results in harassment.

ICENA: The Different Types of Sexual Harassment

Verbal

Insinuating and ambiguous remarks about the person’s body, clothing or appearance, sexist jokes and sayings about sexual characteristics, behavior or orientation, questions about relationships and sex life, repeated invitations with clear intent, etc.

Nonverbal

Degrading and provocative gestures, sexist stares, unwanted gifts, displaying, placing pornographic materials, etc.

Physical

Unwelcome physical contact, sexual assault, coercion and rape

Typical excuses for sexual harassment

  • "It was just a joke."
  • "But s*he is so nice!"
  • "S*he is from a different culture."
  • "But in the past, that was acceptable."
  • "It's her*his own fault if s*he decides to dress like this!"
  • "It was just meant as a compliment."
  • "S*he just doesn't want to admit s*he liked it!"

Recommendations to prevent sexual harassment

Unfortunately, sexual harrassment still occurs. Remember that it is never acceptable and every person has the right to be respected. Here are some recommendations to help prevent sexual harassment, and ensure that FH OÖ is a safe, inclusive, and positive community for all.

Reach out to others for support

If you are a victim of sexual harassment, remember that it is not acceptable. You are not alone.

If possible, try to maintain a calm, sensible mindset to address the situation. If you feel comfortable, speak to a trusted friend or classmate about the incident so that you are not alone with the trauma. If you feel comfortable, talk to an FH OÖ professor or staff member to report it and determine the next course of action. If you feel comfortable, report it here:  Anonymous Report to the FH OÖ Gender and Diversity Management Conference (GDM-K).

Stand up to sexual harassment

If you witness sexual harassment, remember that it is not acceptable. Be an ally and stand in solidarity with victims by making your presence known, listening to the victim’s recollection of the situation, reminding victims that they are not alone, and asking if and how they want support.

Commit to ensuring that FH OÖ is a safe, inclusive, and positive community for all by listening to and supporting victims.

Educate yourself and expand your perspectives

Commit to expanding your perspectives. Engage in conversations with people who are different than you are — in life experiences, language, ethnic origin, gender, religion, ideology, and age — to learn about and understand their perspectives. Commit to unlearning your own biases and educate yourself about how to stand up to sexual harassment.

If you see something, say something!

You cannot control the behaviour of others, but you can help ensure that FH OÖ is a safe, respectful, and inclusive community for all. It’s possible to help prevent sexual harassment by calling out and reporting it. If you feel comfortable, anonymously report it here:  Anonymous Report to the FH OÖ Gender and Diversity Management Conference (GDM-K).

Recommendations if legal actions are taken

If legal action is taken, it is helpful to have notes and other evidence such as texts, emails or chat histories relating to the sexual harassment. Documentation of all actions is recommended.

Further information and support

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