What you need to know

1. What is harassment?

Any unwanted verbal or non-verbal behavior that offends the dignity of an individual, making them feel threatened, humiliated, and fearful.

Forms that harassment can take:

- Unwanted touching
- Unwanted gestures and/or facial expressions
- Unnecessary and inappropriate familiarity
- Sexual comments, jokes, and gestures
- Questions about personal and private life
- Immoral and offensive comments about gender or sexual orientation
- Display of images with sexual content or other inappropriate and offensive material
- Emails, written notes, messages, and phone calls with sexual or offensive content. 

Any mutually accepted act or behavior, such as flirting, romantic relationships, friendship, and sex, does not constitute sexual harassment, provided that consent is obtained.

You can read the Code for the Prevention and Handling of Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Frederick University here. 

2. Why should I report harassment?

All members of the Frederick University community are strongly encouraged to report any harassing behavior. The University can better understand and take appropriate action when it has a complete picture of issues affecting the safety and well-being of its community members.

3. How can I report harassment?

If you have experienced harassment or sexual harassment, or if you know someone who has had a similar experience, you can report it here. You can also directly contact the Competent Authorities by phone or in writing via email. You can select the person you would like to handle your report here.

The individuals who make up the University’s Competent Authorities and who handle cases of harassment and sexual harassment are properly trained to provide support and guidance, answer your questions, and present all your options.

Your report will be handled promptly, with responsibility and confidentiality.

4. Is my privacy protected? / Is my report confidential?

All complaints and reports are handled discreetly, and none of your personal information will be disclosed without your consent. All reports we receive are treated with the utmost respect, ensuring that those who submit them are not burdened in any way.

5. What if I want to inform the university anonymously?

We understand that reporting any unpleasant incident can be a difficult decision. However, if you choose to submit an anonymous complaint, we will not be able to contact you to offer any support or advice, nor will we proceed with investigating your complaint.

The University provides the option to submit anonymous complaints here, with the sole purpose of better understanding issues that may affect our community. This allows us to better plan future preventive actions.

If you would like to receive further support and guidance or discuss your options for an official or unofficial handling of the incident, you can speak with a member of the Competent Authority here.