Sexual violence does not only happen in private, but also everywhere in our society. Relationships of dependence encourage sexual violence, therefore it can also happen at university. Students experience sexual violence by university staff or other students; on campus, in dorms, or at parties. We notice, that sexual violence on campus is more frequently a topic in our advisory services of Studentenwerk SH.
Studentenwerk SH intends to counteract sexual violence on campus by information, which we give on this website. As a responsible organization, Studentenwerk SH is committed to the students to provide information and support. We hope for a more careful and respectful interaction on campus by raising awareness of this issue.

What is sexual violence? 

Sexual violence is every deliberate sexual action, either physical, verbal or non-verbal, that is committed against the will of the person affected.

Examples of sexual violence: 

• derogatory, lewd, scrutinizing looks       
• dolf whistling
• suggestive jokes
• sexist remarks and insults about someone’s appearance, behavior and private life
• showing pornographic content
• unwanted invitations, approaching by letters, e-mail
• unwanted touches
• “no” is not accepted
• criminal elements of an offense like stalking, sexual coercion, bodily harm, rape

Types of sexual violence are also:

• sexualised recording rituals at campus (e.g. doing a chain of clothes until everybody is naked)
• advertising student events with pornographic images and/or text
• suggestive names for student-unions, groups, and teams

Sexual violence contravene the principle of equal treatment and is an attack on the dignity and personal rights of persons affected.

What is okay? 

• everything that both sides enjoy
• friendly compliments
• flirting (eye contact, small talk, smiles)
• going out together

Everyone has their own personal limits

Sexual violence starts when personal limits are exceeded. The subjective feelings of the person affected is decisive when assessing violence.

Sexual violence is an one-sided behavior, that differs from flirting or giving compliments and that causes stress, feelings of insecurity, anxiety, depression, and even psychosomatic complaints for the person affected. As a result it can lead to a loss of efficiency or failure at university.

Many victims will deny or gloss over sexual violence, due to fear of appearing too prude, sensitive or humorless. When victims dismiss, joke, or completely ignore their assault, perpetrators might be encouraged in their behavior and will continue to engage in situations of harassment.

There´s no justification for sexual violence or exceeding personal limits. Perpetrators are guilty. Victims have the right to defend themselves and get help.

What can you do to protect yourself?

• Appear self-confident (clear speaking, upright posture)
• Avoid dark and lonely roads.
• Go out in a group or with another person (to parties, at night, to consultation hours, …).
• Inform other people about where you are.
• Call someone when you are alone and if you feel uncomfortable (in the bus, in the dorm kitchen, …).
• Pay attention to your surroundings.

What can you do in case of emergency?

• Take your feelings seriously and trust your gut instinct.
• Be aware, that it is not your fault.
• If possible, leave the situation.
• Tell the person that you feel harassed by them and give them clear orders, e.g. “Take your hand off my leg!”
• Say out loud: “No!”
• Address the harasser with “Mr./Mrs.”. Passers-by will understand, that it is not a personal conflict between friends.
• Defend yourself physically by screaming, kicking, punching.
• Make passers-by aware of the harassment. Try to seek assistance from passers-by e.g. “You with the red coat, I need your help please!” Or “Please call the police!”
• Call the police and bring a criminal charge.
• Talk with someone you can trust about your experience.
• Document what happened in writing and soon.
• Contact an advisory service (see last page).

Did you become victim of sexual violence? Call the police by 110 and bring a criminal charge.

What can witnesses do? 

• Take aside the harassed person, talk to them, and offer help.
• Don’t look away.
• In case of emergency call the police and do not put yourself at risk.
• Be available as a witness for the police.