Insinuating comments in meetings or classes, continuous staring in the library, “accidental” touching, unwelcome invitations, letters or presents... -Sexual harassment can take many different forms. Studies have shown that between 60 and 90 percent of women and increasingly also men have experienced some form of it. The University is no better or worse than other institutions - rather, it is a reflection of a social reality: sexual harassment and discrimination exist.

If you need advice, you can contact the Gender Equality Office. If necessary, you are welcome to deviate from the assignment to the faculties when choosing your contact person.

Every consultation with the Gender Equality Office 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 § 4 (9) LHG.
 They are:

• Professor Dr. Karin Amos, Vice-President of Academic Affairs
• Dr. Andreas Rothfuss, Executive Vice-President

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.