Social Safety of Students at CZU
CZU in Prague unequivocally rejects any form of sexual and gender-based harassment, as well as the abuse of power that would undermine the dignity of affected individuals. All members of the academic community and employees contribute to creating a safe environment and strive to prevent inappropriate behaviour either by their example or by assisting in resolving situations if they observe or are asked for help.
If you experience or witness (as a bystander) any form of unacceptable behaviour, there are multiple ways to seek help and protect yourself or others. Below are key aspects of social safety, along with examples of discrimination, bullying, and other unacceptable behaviours that are not tolerated at our university:
Discrimination
Discrimination can be based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, and other relevant characteristics.
Racial Discrimination
Examples include racial insults, stereotypes, or exclusion based on race or ethnic origin.
Gender Discrimination
This may include unequal treatment, sexual harassment, or exclusion based on gender identity or expression.
Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation
Instances of LGBTQIA+ discrimination, such as derogatory comments or exclusion.
Bullying and Harassment
Bullying and harassment can occur in various forms, such as verbal, physical, or cyberbullying.
Verbal Harassment
Insults, slurs, or offensive comments targeting individuals or groups.
Cyberbullying
Harassment through online platforms, including social media, email, or messaging apps.
Sexual Harassment
Unwanted advances, comments, or behavior of a sexual nature that create a hostile environment, such as:
- Unwanted Sexual Advances
This includes unwelcome physical advances like touching, hugging, or kissing, as well as persistent sexual comments or requests for sexual favours.
- Sexual Comments and Innuendos
Inappropriate sexual comments, jokes, or innuendos that create a hostile or uncomfortable environment.
- Online Harassment
Sending explicit or unsolicited sexual messages, photos, or videos through social media, email, or other digital platforms.
- Quid Pro Quo Harassment
A person in authority, such as a professor, offering academic advantages (e.g., better grades) in exchange for sexual favours.
- Sexual Assault
Non-consensual sexual contact, including rape or attempted rape, is a crime and a severe form of sexual harassment.
- Stalking
Unwanted and obsessive pursuit, often through online and offline means, leading to a sense of constant threat.
Hate Speech and Hate Crimes
Hate speech and hate crimes target specific groups based on their characteristics.
Academic Misconduct
This includes cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of dishonesty, creating an unfair and unsafe environment for all students.
Microaggressions
Subtle, often unintentional acts of discrimination that convey negative stereotypes or prejudices. These can be related to race, gender, disability, or other characteristics.
Keep Your Eyes Open – Help Those Around You
It is essential to take care of each other and help one another. Talk to a friend if you notice changes in their behaviour. It might mean nothing, but showing interest in those around you never hurts.
Examples of Behavioral Changes in Victims
- Victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a range of other emotional and psychological issues.
- Academic performance may suffer due to stress and emotional harassment, leading to missed classes, missed deadlines, and poor exam results.
- Stress and anxiety from sexual harassment can have physical health consequences, such as sleep disorders and psychosomatic symptoms (headaches, stomachaches), and increased illness.
- Some victims may start avoiding social activities and become withdrawn from the community.
How Can You Respond to the Above-Mentioned Inappropriate Behaviour as a Victim or Bystander?
- Discuss the situation with a friend or any close person at the university.
- Contact the head of the department or the course/program coordinator and describe the situation to them.
- Discuss the entire situation with the university’s psychological counsellor.
- Another option is to submit the matter to the CZU Ethics Committee for review; more information can be found in the Code of Ethics and the Rules of Procedure of the Ethics Committee.
Help Outside the University
Safety Line - 116 111 non-stop
Mail - pomoc@linkabezpeci.cz
Others...
- Persefona – addresses domestic and sexual violence issues, including helping its victims.
- Bílý kruh bezpečí – helps victims of crime, including sexual violence.
- proFem – helps victims of sexual violence, organizes educational events on the topic.
- Rosa Center – helps women experiencing domestic violence.
- Konsent – helps with sexual harassment issues.
*CZU, in accordance with EU directive, provides a reporting option, ensuring anonymity and safety; you do not have to fear undesirable reactions or retaliation. Your report will be sent to a responsible person who can genuinely help.
You can make a report without stress, with time to consider, and the option to add attachments. The system allows for follow-up anonymous communication, active resolution, and tracking the status of your report. However, respond to the person handling your report in this application, as without your cooperation and responses, resolution becomes extremely challenging.
- The report must always convey the essence of what happened and must be truthful.
- Anonymity is guaranteed as you do not need to create any account, yet we will be able to respond to your anonymous submission and actively resolve it.
- Neither CZU, as the provider of the reporting platform, nor third parties have access to your data, which are stored on AWS. The system is secured with E2E encryption.
- The person responsible for investigating the report is the First Vice-Rector and the Chancellor.
