Together against violence and discrimination
From November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, International Human Rights Day, the annual “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign takes place. Violence includes not only physical harm, but also sexual and gender-based harassment and discrimination.
Sexual and gender-based harassment are unwanted behaviors that undermine a person’s dignity based solely on their gender.
They can be nonverbal or verbal behaviors and may or may not include touching. These behaviors thus form part of a continuum ranging from judgmental comments about a person’s appearance, to abuse of power and actions that can be attributed to the sexual sphere. A vulgar joke, “leering”, unwanted invitations, a “casual” touch, ambiguous innuendo, or misogynistic anecdotes—all of these are forms of sexual and gender-based harassment. Sexist jokes in lectures, derogatory comments about fellow students’ outfits, stalking on campus, or questions about a student’s private life in exam situations – all of this goes too far. Actions that all parties have voluntarily agreed to without fear of retribution are not sexual or gender-based harassment.
However, it is important to note that tolerating an action is not the same as agreeing to it.

What can we do?

• If somebody come to you: Always take their stories and reports seriously; do not question them; refer them to places they can turn to for help; give them tips so that they feel confident about setting boundaries.
• If you observe something: Intervene, offer help, point out that what is happening is not okay.
• If you know something happened: Talk to someone you trust; seek support from the Working Group for Equal Treatment and/or the Carinthian Center for Protection against Violence; offer to accompany those affected to places where they can get help.
• In the case of digital violence: Report content, inform moderators, etc.

University Stuff can:

• Be role models: Intervene in cases of violence, clearly identify abusive behaviour, impose sanctions where necessary
• Signal support and change the setting: e.g., adapt moderation methods, organise physical separation
• Inform superiors or seek advice, e.g. AKG, works council, or external points of contact

Further information:
https://www.gleichbehandlungsanwaltschaft.gv.at/english.html
https://www.gewaltschutzzentrum.at/en/general-advice-and-support/
https://unisafe-toolkit.eu/
 
Der Beitrag Together against violence and discrimination erschien zuerst auf University of Klagenfurt.