EU research project UniSAFE

Study on sexualized discrimination and violence in universities and research institutions

The University of Cologne is one of 46 institutions participating in the EU-wide research project UniSAFE on sexualized discrimination and violence in universities and research institutions. The study aims to gain comprehensive knowledge about the mechanisms and effects of sexualized discrimination and violence and to develop suitable concepts to counteract them.

The results of the two study modules "Case Studies" and "Survey" are now available.
The "Case Studies" module at the UzK focused on the evaluation of the "Guidelines for Dealing with Sexualized Discrimination and Bullying" and their implementation. The content of the guideline, the broad internal cooperation at the central and decentralized levels, the numerous persons responsible, and the anchored counseling and complaint services were rated very highly. Possibilities for development were mentioned with regard to improving the internal visibility of the guideline, as well as making the qualifications of the individual advice and complaints offices more visible to those seeking advice.

From January 17 to February 13, 2022, the UzK also participated in the "Online Survey". The comprehensive survey was sent to all employees and students of the University of Cologne via the internal distribution lists (PUMA/SMAIL). A total of 42,000 responses were received from the 46 universities and research institutions in Europe. This makes the survey the largest multilingual survey ever conducted on this topic in the European Research Area. First key results can be found in the official press release on the UniSAFE project page.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey! You are helping to create solid and measurable data for the often insufficiently considered problem of sexualized discrimination and violence and to increase the visibility of the topic in the universities!

About the study

Sexualized discrimination and violence is a widespread phenomenon that occurs in many organizations, including universities and research institutions. Violations, abuse, and violence can be physical, sexual, economic/financial, or psychological in nature, on- or offline, and can include gender-based or sexual harassment. It is not limited to violence against women, but can affect all people.

Although there is growing political importance and interest in the issue, sexual discrimination and violence remains underreported. And it is not sufficiently researched. This is a major problem, because without accurate knowledge, it is difficult to prevent it through appropriate infrastructure, measures and activities, to counter it effectively and ultimately to prosecute it.

The study therefore uses surveys, in-depth case studies, interviews and a strategic inventory to analyze data from 46 universities and research institutions in 15 European countries over the next three years. Among them is the University of Cologne. They all want to contribute to gaining sound knowledge about sexualized discrimination and violence in research institutions in order to derive concrete instruments and measures.

What are the main findings from the survey at the University of Cologne?

A total of 3,201 people participated in the survey at the University of Cologne. Most UoC-findings are consistent with UniSAFE main study:

Nearly 2 in 3 respondents have experienced any form of GBV (61%).
LGBQ+ staff (79%) and Women (63%) have experienced GBV most often. Also 54% male respondents experienced GBV.
Men are the main perpetrators (69%), also against men (57%).
Almost 7% of the respondents have experienced physical or sexual violence.
Only 9% of all respondents reported incidents of GBV.
GBV significantly effects work productivity, performance in studies, personal wellbeing and increases the feeling of social exclusion.
About 2 in 3 respondents were not aware of policies (61%), trainings or campaigns (71%) against GBV.

Here you can find a more detailed evaluation of the survey at the UoC.

Note: Due to data protection aspects, not all items from the main survey could be evaluated for the UoC. Some variables such as "minority", "disability or chronic illness" or "non-binary" in the question on gender identity have therefore been omitted.

What is the University of Cologne doing in the area of (sexualised) discrimination?

The University of Cologne promotes a culture of looking and is actively committed to being a non-discriminatory and non-violent place to study, teach and work for its members and staff.

Central contact and counselling points in the event of discrimination can be found here on the portal at:
https://vielfalt.uni-koeln.de/en/anti-discrimination/directive-on-discrimination-sexualised-violence-and-bullying/counselling-and-contact-points

Further information on sexualised discrimination can be found on the page of the Central Equal Opportunities Officer at:
https://gb.uni-koeln.de/index_eng.html

Information on anti-discrimination as well as the Antidiscrimination Directive of the University of Cologne can be found here:
https://vielfalt.uni-koeln.de/en/anti-discrimination

In addition, it was decided to set up a central trust office for protection against discrimination and abuse of power, which will start in 2024. Thereby, the UzK is creating a central, visible and low-threshold first point of contact for employees and students, in addition to existing counselling facilities.

UNIVERSITY OF COLOGNE