Social Safety

Social safety can be understood as an ideal environment in which the conduct of all members of the University community is naturally guided by the principles of collegiality, integrity, equality, respect, openness, and consideration for others. In such an environment, any form of inappropriate behaviour, intimidation, aggression, bullying, harassment, or discrimination is regarded as unacceptable, regardless of whether it involves students or members of staff. (1)

Social safety is therefore founded on healthy interpersonal relationships. In a socially safe environment, people do not feel threatened by the behaviour of others and have the confidence to express their opinions freely, without fear of being insulted, humiliated, intimidated, or silenced. Such an environment is characterised by continuous reflection on what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, as well as by an awareness of power imbalances and their potential impact on interpersonal relationships.

Further information on social safety, together with recommendations for higher education institutions, is available in the publication Social Security at Czech Universities in the Context of Academic Ethics, which can be downloaded in English.

Social safety is also a fundamental prerequisite for good research practice and research integrity. In a socially safe environment, people learn from one another, contribute new perspectives, and feel confident sharing their ideas and opinions. By contrast, an environment that lacks social safety can undermine research integrity and academic freedom.

Inappropriate behaviour refers to any form of unwanted verbal or non-verbal conduct that threatens or harms the mental or physical integrity of the person at whom it is directed. It most commonly includes aggression, sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence, discrimination, and bullying. This list is not exhaustive, however, as inappropriate behaviour cannot be fully categorised. Perceptions of social behaviour are inherently subjective, and what one person experiences as inappropriate may not be perceived in the same way by another. At the same time, different forms of inappropriate behaviour often overlap and may occur simultaneously.

Gender-based violence refers to "all acts of physical, sexual, psychological, economic, or other forms of violence directed against women because they are women, or against men because they are men, as well as acts of violence that disproportionately affect women or men." (2)

A comprehensive approach to addressing gender-based violence is provided by the 7P framework. (3)The application of this framework at Palacký University Olomouc is outlined below.

Discrimination refers to unjustified differential treatment of a student or a member of staff on the grounds of religion or belief, philosophical or political views, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, disability, or age.

Bullying is a situation in which an individual repeatedly and over an extended period experiences negative behaviour directed at them by one or more people and finds it difficult to defend themselves against such behaviour. An isolated incident is not considered bullying.

Find out more about bullying, its prevention, and conflict resolution.

1. Policies refer to a coherent set of measures supported by a clear vision and strategy, as well as to the institutional documents that define and implement these measures. These include both general University policies (such as the Code of Ethics and the Gender Equality Plan) and documents specifically addressing the University’s approach to preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

Key University documents and strategies: Code of Ethics of Palacký University Olomouc and the Codes of Ethics of individual faculties, Gender Equality Plan, Faculty as a Safe Space (Faculty of Arts Manual for Responding to High-Risk Situations)

2. Prevalence 

Prevalence refers to the collection and analysis of data on the occurrence of different forms of gender-based violence. Such evidence provides the basis for developing effective institutional policies. Data collection should adopt an intersectional approach, taking into account factors such as age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and an individual’s role within the University.

3. Prevention

Prevention includes measures aimed at promoting positive changes in social and cultural attitudes and patterns of behaviour across the University. These measures may include awareness-raising activities for students and members of staff through educational resources, induction training, public statements, and a clearly communicated commitment from the University's leadership to preventing and addressing gender-based violence.

Prevention at Palacký University Olomouc: The Rector’s Office and individual faculties regularly organise training sessions and workshops. Further information is available on the Fair University website.

4. Protection

Protection focuses on ensuring the safety and meeting the needs of individuals affected by gender-based violence. This includes establishing clear reporting procedures, effective support mechanisms for victims, and appropriate training for those responsible for handling reports and providing assistance.

Support network at Palacký University Olomouc:

An ombudsperson has been appointed at the central University level (Rector's Office), and several faculties have also established the position.

5. Prosecution

Prosecution refers to disciplinary, administrative, and criminal responses to gender-based violence where appropriate. Within the University, this may include disciplinary measures against students or members of staff, up to and including termination of studies or employment where legally permissible. It also involves cooperation with legal professionals, the police, and other relevant authorities where necessary.

6. Provision of Services

Provision of services includes access to psychological, medical, and other professional support for victims, their families, and, where appropriate, perpetrators. Within the higher education environment, these services may also include counselling, mediation, psychological support, and healthcare. It is essential that students, members of staff, and managers are well informed about the support services available.

Support services at Palacký University Olomouc: Palacký University Olomouc provides a comprehensive network of counselling and support services. A full overview is available here.

7. Partnership

Partnership involves cooperation with both internal and external stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, trade unions, student associations, and other organisations working to prevent and address gender-based violence.

Homfray Šárka. National Contact Centre for Gender and Science, Czech Academy of Sciences. Právní aspekty problematiky genderově podmíněného násilí na vysokých školách [Legal Aspects of Gender-Based Violence at Higher Education Institutions].

Social Safety in Dutch Academia. From Paper to Practice, available online.

The Radboud University Complaints Regulations regarding Undesirable Behaviour, available online.

Universiteiten van Nederland (2019). Statement sociale veiligheid binnen onze universiteiten: vooreen veilige, open en respectvolle sector. 

Office of the Government of the Czech Republic. Action Plan for the Prevention of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence 2023–2026. Available online.

1. Universiteiten van Nederland (2019). Statement sociale veiligheid binnen onze universiteiten: vooreen veilige, open en respectvolle sector. 
2. Office of the Government of the Czech Republic. Action Plan for the Prevention of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence 2023–2026. Available online.
3. The 7P framework was introduced into Czech by researchers at the National Contact Centre for Gender and Science of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The description presented here is based on Šárka Homfray’s publication Právní aspekty problematiky genderově podmíněného násilí [Legal Aspects of Gender-Based Violence at Higher Education Institutions]. For further information, see: Homfray, Šárka. Právní aspekty problematiky genderově podmíněného násilí. National Contact Centre for Gender and Science, Czech Academy of Sciences.

Guidelines for Managers on Responding to Inappropriate Behaviour at Palacký University Olomouc

• webpage
• download the guidelines (in Czech only)