Advice on sexual harassment

Every consultation with the Team Equity - Gender is absolutely confidential. We will take no action without your express consent!

Regarding matters of sexual harassment, the University of Tübingen has both a female and a male contact person, as required by § 4a Abs.1  LHG.
 They are:

The task of the contact persons is to inform members and affiliates of the University of Tübingen about internal and external counselling and information possibilities in connection with sexual harassment. The contact person will also inform you about possible formal steps to take and, if you wish, will put you in touch with the relevant organisational unit. Discussions are, of course, confidential. Information about the personal and factual circumstances of those concerned may not be passed on to third parties without their consent.

On November 15, 2020, the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts of Baden Württemberg appointed attorney Michaela Spandau as an attorney of confidence for sexualized discrimination, sexual harassment and violence. This is one component of the ministry's activities to counteract sexualized discrimination, sexual harassment and violence at universities in Baden-Württemberg. 

Affected persons have the opportunity to contact Ms. Spandau directly as an external person of trust. The focus of her work is on providing initial legal advice regarding a specific issue. The lawyer of confidence can be contacted anonymously and guarantees legal confidentiality upon request. This is particularly important in view of existing dependency relationships. The measure is also intended to help better quantify the dark field in the area of sexual harassment. 

Further information and contact: 

Vertrauensanwältin für sexuelle Belästigung: Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg (baden-wuerttemberg.de)

The University of Tübingen Senate approved guidelines on 13 February 2003: Richtlinie Partnerschaftliches Verhalten an der Universität Tübingen (pdf). It condemns all forms of sexual harassment as a breach of personal and human rights. The guidelines apply to all members of the University. It includes a phased plan for affected persons to follow in order to defend themselves against such behavior.

First steps in a case of sexual harassment:

1. As far as it is possible, reject the unwanted behavior in front of witnesses.
2. Write down what happened.
3. Seek advice from a person you can trust, and/or contact one of the offices listed here.