Koç University prioritizes creating a safe and inclusive academic research, education, working and social environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. This document outlines the procedures in place for the fair and effective investigation of reports and complaints related to gender-based violence and sexual harassment.

From the initial report or complaint to eventual disciplinary action, we are committed to ensuring a transparent and supportive investigative process. Koç University provides numerous resources to support the community at any stage before, during, or after the process. Together, we can foster a culture of zero tolerance towards unwanted sexual attitudes and behaviors, empowering individuals to report incidents with confidence and promoting a safer community for all. Through these collective efforts, we trust promoting a safer and more secure community for everyone.

Koç University prioritizes creating a safe and inclusive academic research, education, working and social environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. This document outlines the procedures in place for the fair and effective investigation of reports and complaints related to gender-based violence and sexual harassment.

From the initial report or complaint to eventual disciplinary action, we are committed to ensuring a transparent and supportive investigative process. Koç University provides numerous resources to support the community at any stage before, during, or after the process. Together, we can foster a culture of zero tolerance towards unwanted sexual attitudes and behaviors, empowering individuals to report incidents with confidence and promoting a safer community for all. Through these collective efforts, we trust promoting a safer and more secure community for everyone.

What is Zone?

Zone is the space where you feel the most safe and comfortable. It is a fluid component that can be as wide or as narrow as you want it to be. It shape-shifts according to your needs, feelings and intuitions.

It is your personal space and it only belongs to you.

As fellow members of our campus community, we are here to inform you on how to define your zone, how to make other people respect it and the ways in which you can protect yourself [or seek help] from gender based violence.

GBV comes in many shapes and forms; it can hurt you physically, emotionally or psychologically – and some may not be as apparent as you might think.

Down below are intolerable actions that you might have encountered gender based violence.

gaslighting

“Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which the abuser attempts to sow self-doubt and confusion in their victim’s mind. Typically, gaslighters are seeking to gain power and control over the other person, by distorting reality and forcing them to question their own judgment and intuition”.

stalking

“Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear”

verbal abuse

“Verbal abuse is a type of emotional abuse. It is when someone uses their words to assault, dominate, ridicule, manipulate, and/or degrade another person and negatively impact that person's psychological health. Verbal abuse is a means of controlling and maintaining power over another person”.

intimidation

“The actionof frighteningor threateningsomeone, usually in orderto persuadethem to do something that you wantthem to do. Intimidation can take many forms, from sexual harassment and physical violence to more subtle forms of manipulation”.

unwanted attention

“Unwanted attention is unwanted advances that become severe or pervasive after the victim has made clear that he or she finds the advances offensive.It involves behavior that is subjectively unwelcome to make a reasonable person feel that their [work]environment is hostile or offensive/abusive”.

cyber-bullying

“Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies. It can take place on social media, messaging platforms, gaming platforms and mobile phones. It is repeated behaviour, aimed at scaring, angering or shaming those who are targeted”.

guilt-tripping

“Guilt tripping is a form of emotional manipulationmeant to modify someone’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by creating a powerful emotional response. A person can inadvertently say or do something that creates guilt, even if this outcome wasn’t their desired goal. Whenever one person cares about the thoughts and opinions of another, they’re at risk of being guilt tripped. Since guilt is an uncomfortable emotional experience, those subjected to it will shift their actions to reduce the risk of current or future guilt”.

What does gender-based violence look like in daily life? Here are some examples:

Click here to see more
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Someone is Violating My Zone,
What Do I Do?

Someone is Violating My Zone,
What Do I Do?

If you think you have been an object of sexual harassment;

Talk to a counselor at [KURES] or an advisor immediately

If you think you have been an object of sexual harassment;

Talk to a counselor at [KURES] or an advisor immediately

If you have witnessed an incident of sexual harassment involving another person;

Direct them to Counseling Services [KURES] or advisors immediately

If you have witnessed an incident of sexual harassment involving another person;

Direct them to Counseling Services [KURES] or advisors immediately

How Does the Procedure Work

How Does the Procedure Work

Guiding Principles Observed During the Process

Guiding Principles Observed During the Process

How Does the Procedure Work

How Does the Procedure Work

Important Things to Note for Sexual Harassment Victims

You are always free to warn, in a clear and explicit manner, any individual, who is displaying unwelcomed and uncomfortable behavior, that you are uncomfortable with his/her behavior.

You are free to re-apply regarding an incident you complained of in the past with new evidence.

You also have the right to resort to law enforcement units for the institution of preventiveand protective measures.

IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY >>> IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY >>> IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY >>> IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY >>>

IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY >>>

Call 1122
THE EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER

A security and medical team will be immediately dispatched to your location. Following an emergency, support will be available should you wish to file an official complaint or require counseling services.

Call 0 212 338 1122
FOR THE OFF-CAMPUS EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER

For support in preventing Sexual Harassment Counselors are always available for one-on-one meetings.

In addition, you can send an e-mail to kures@ku.edu.tr

For support in legal information and procedures, email to legal@ku.edu.tr

‘Zone’ Communication Campaign design by:
Circle Graphic Communication Design Studio
_ www.circle.ku.edu.tr _ 2023
This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site.