Protection against Sexual Harassment

The University of Teacher Education Lucerne (PH Luzern) does not tolerate any form of harassment and is committed to fostering a culture of mutual respect, dignity and responsible conduct. PH Luzern has clear procedures and measures in place to protect members of the University from sexual harassment and provides prompt and competent advice and support to affected persons and persons who have witnessed or become aware of such behaviour.

Guidance

The PH Luzern Guidance aims to raise awareness of sexual harassment and bullying among students, staff members and line managers. It outlines practical options available to them and describes the advice, reporting and support services available.

The Guidance distinguishes between sexual harassment and bullying, outlines the options and support services available to the respective target groups, and describes measures and levels of escalation.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment and bullying are not tolerated at PH Luzern, whether in the workplace or during studies. Staff members and students who engage in sexual harassment or bullying may be subject to disciplinary measures; certain forms of such conduct may also have legal consequences.

Sexual harassment refers to any conduct of a sexual nature that is unwanted by the person concerned or that demeans an individual on the basis of their sex or gender.

Examples include:

  • sexually suggestive or ambiguous remarks;
  • displaying or distributing pornographic material;
  • unwelcome physical contact or intrusive behaviour.

Sexual harassment and bullying are not tolerated at PH Luzern, whether in the workplace or during studies. Staff members and students who engage in sexual harassment or bullying may be subject to disciplinary measures; certain forms of such conduct may also have legal consequences.

Sexual harassment refers to any conduct of a sexual nature that is unwanted by the person concerned or that demeans an individual on the basis of their sex or gender.

Examples include:

  • sexually suggestive or ambiguous remarks;
  • displaying or distributing pornographic material;
  • unwelcome physical contact or intrusive behaviour.

What Is Bullying?

Bullying is a persistent pattern of inappropriate behaviour in which an individual is repeatedly and deliberately subjected to hostile or abusive conduct over an extended period, with the aim or effect of isolating, excluding or undermining that person. Not every workplace or study-related conflict constitutes bullying.

Bullying is a persistent pattern of inappropriate behaviour in which an individual is repeatedly and deliberately subjected to hostile or abusive conduct over an extended period, with the aim or effect of isolating, excluding or undermining that person. Not every workplace or study-related conflict constitutes bullying.

What Can You Do?

If you are personally affected by sexual harassment or bullying, address the behaviour and set clear boundaries, where it is safe to do so, and seek advice and support.

Students may contact the Confidential Contact Persons (Campus Lucerne), the Ombuds Office or the Psychological Counselling Service. They may also speak to a lecturer or their Head of Programme.

If you are personally affected by sexual harassment or bullying, address the behaviour and set clear boundaries, where it is safe to do so, and seek advice and support.

Students may contact the Confidential Contact Persons (Campus Lucerne), the Ombuds Office or the Psychological Counselling Service. They may also speak to a lecturer or their Head of Programme.

Further Measures and Levels of Escalation

Students may request an internal investigation by the Vice Rector. Subject to the applicable legal requirements, persons affected by sexual harassment or bullying may also be entitled to pursue legal remedies, including compensation for financial loss or filing a criminal complaint.

Students may request an internal investigation by the Vice Rector. Subject to the applicable legal requirements, persons affected by sexual harassment or bullying may also be entitled to pursue legal remedies, including compensation for financial loss or filing a criminal complaint.


Confidential Advice and Support

If you are affected by sexual harassment or bullying, or if you have witnessed or become aware of such behaviour, the Confidential Contact Persons (Campus Lucerne) are available to provide confidential advice and support. You are free to contact any of the Confidential Contact Persons listed below. Consultations may take place in person, online or by telephone. The Confidential Contact Persons provide a confidential setting in which you can discuss your concerns. They will listen, provide advice on possible next steps and, if you wish, accompany you to meetings. All consultations are treated in strict confidence.


Kontakt

Leiterin Stabsstelle Chancengerechtigkeit
Simona Schmid
M. A.
Pfistergasse 20
6003 Luzern
simona.schmid@phlu.ch
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