Sexual Harassment in Higher Education Settings

Sexual harassment refers to any psychological, physical or verbal behaviour of a sexual nature that is perceived by the person concerned as intrusive, unwanted, hurtful or degrading – or that is intended to have that effect. When a boundary has been crossed is a subjective matter and depends on the perspective of the person affected. Each person decides for themselves where their boundaries lie, when these have been crossed and when their dignity has been violated.

In everyday university and working life, this means that one person may find a sexualised remark harmless and funny, whilst another may feel uncomfortable as a result. JMU is legally obliged – and, out of respect for all its members, endeavours – to ensure at all times an atmosphere in which everyone can study and work free from fear.

Particular attention should be paid to the complex power dynamics inherent in everyday university life: the vast majority of university members are of legal age, yet differences in status, age and experience inevitably mean that interactions do not take place on an equal footing, and these power imbalances are often not recognised as such by everyone involved.

Are you unsure whether your behaviour crossed a line for another person?

Sometimes it is not immediately clear how a remark, a message, a joke or physical contact was received by another person. If you are wondering whether you have crossed a boundary or whether your behaviour might have been perceived as sexual harassment, you can contact the helpdesk.

We will advise you confidentially and, if you wish, anonymously. Together, we can examine the situation, discuss possible boundaries and courses of action, and consider how you can take responsibility for this.

Sexual harassment is a specific form of abuse of power and has nothing to do with sexuality as a fundamentally positive experience. Perpetrators use remarks and actions with sexual connotations – or which they themselves have imbued with sexual meaning – to exercise power and assert superiority. For this reason, the term ‘sexual harassment’ can be misleading – though it is used synonymously with the concept of ‘sexualised discrimination’ in both psychosocial and legal contexts.

If you wish to report a case of discrimination, please contact the Anti-Discrimination Office.