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.

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.

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.

Further information can be found on the project page of GESIS Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences:
https://www.gesis.org/cews/drittmittelprojekte/aktuelle-projekte/unisafe

And on the central UniSAFE project page at:
https://unisafe-gbv.eu/