Prevention of Sexual Harassment

Under Israeli law, six types of behavior are defined as sexual harassment:

1. Blackmail or coercion involving sexual acts
   Threatening or pressuring a person to engage in an act of a sexual nature.
2. Indecent or sexually inappropriate acts
   Including unwanted physical conduct of a sexual nature.
3. Repeated sexual advances
   Repeated propositions or advances of a sexual nature directed toward a person who has made it clear that they are not interested.
4. Repeated remarks focused on a person’s sexuality
   Repeated comments or references of a sexual nature after that person has indicated they are not interested.
   

   In situations involving relationships of authority or influence — for example, between a lecturer and a student — such remarks or advances (as indicated in clauses 3 and 4) are considered sexual harassment even if the person affected did not explicitly express lack of interest.

5. Humiliating or degrading treatment related to a person’s gender, sexuality or sexual orientation
   Including comments or behavior that demean or humiliate a person based on their sex, gender identity, sexuality, or sexual orientation.
   Such behavior may also be considered environmental harassment – creating a sexually charged or hostile environment , even if not directed at a specific individual.
6. Non-consensual publication of images, videos, or recordings of a sexual nature
   Sharing or publishing a photograph, video, or recording focused on a person’s sexuality, without their consent, in circumstances that may humiliate, degrade, or embarrass them.

At Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and equitable environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

We strongly encourage individuals to contact the University’s Commissioners for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment. Only through clear, determined, and responsible action can this phenomenon be effectively addressed and prevented.

It is important to know that seeking support or filing a complaint through the University can be pursued independently or alongside other routes.

Accordingly, the following options are available:

1. Contact the University’s Commission for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the main campus or one of its affiliated campuses for guidance, support, and to explore the possibility of filing a formal complaint within the University framework. Contact information for the relevant offices appears on this website. Filing a complaint allows the University to support you, take appropriate action against those responsible, and continue working toward maintaining a safe and respectful learning and work environment on campus.
2. File a complaint with the police
   Sexual harassment may constitute a criminal offense under Israeli law.
3. File a civil claim against the harasser
   through the appropriate labor or civil court system.

No. Contacting the Commission for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment does not obligate you to file a formal complaint.

The commissioners will listen to you, provide guidance, and explain the options available to you. In principle, if the commissioners believe that sexual harassment may have occurred, they are legally obligated to review and address the matter — even if you choose not to submit a formal complaint.

It is important to note, however, that filing a complaint is both valuable and encouraged, as it enables the commissioners not only to examine the incident thoroughly, but also to recommend appropriate actions or measures regarding the individual involved.

At Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, the goal is to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all members of the University community.

If the individual involved is someone in a position of authority — such as a lecturer, supervisor, manager, or teaching assistant — you may understandably fear that contacting the University’s Commissioner for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment or filing a complaint could lead to retaliation or harm.

It is important to know that retaliation related to a sexual harassment complaint is considered a serious violation.

At Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, once a complaint is received, the Commissioner for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment will take immediate steps to prevent any form of retaliation or abuse of authority.

For example:

• If the complaint involves a lecturer or instructor, interim measures may be implemented to ensure that the individual has no influence over your course grade or any academic matter related to you.
• If the complaint involves a manager or supervisor, organizational separation measures may be put in place so that the individual no longer holds authority over you or your work/studies.

The University is committed to protecting complainants and ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff can come forward safely and without fear of retaliation.

The Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law has also helped bring about a broader social shift in how both harassment and those affected by it are viewed.

Individuals who sexual harassed others may face disciplinary, civil, or criminal consequences, as well as being held publicly accountable.

A person who experiences harassment is not at fault and the university is committed to protecting anyone who has experienced sexual harassment and to ensuring that no harm comes to them as a result of seeking help, reporting an incident, or filing a complaint.

In addition to providing personal support throughout the complaint process, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev can also provide academic support to help ensure that your studies are not negatively affected.

The University may assist with:

• Finding an alternative academic advisor or supervisor
• Extending academic deadlines when needed
• Providing additional accommodation or support necessary to help you successfully continue and complete your studies in a safe and respectful environment

The University is committed to ensuring that students can pursue their academic goals free from harassment, intimidation, or fear of retaliation.

Yes. You may contact the Commissioner for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment even if you do not wish to file a formal complaint. The Commissioner will do everything reasonably possible to address the situation, including — with your consent — speaking with the person involved without revealing your identity or personal details.

However, it is important to understand that without your agreement to provide testimony in a disciplinary proceeding, it may be difficult, and in some cases impossible, to formally pursue disciplinary action or impose sanctions against the individual.

If you do not wish to be identified, your identity will not be disclosed without your consent.

Even anonymous complaints can still be valuable. In some situations:

• The individual may be warned or monitored,
• Patterns of behavior may become clearer,
• And in certain cases, action may still be possible even without formal identification of the complainant.

That said, if addressing the complaint itself would inevitably reveal the complainant’s identity, the University will not proceed with contacting the individual involved without the complainant’s consent.

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is committed to handling every inquiry with sensitivity, discretion, and respect for the wishes and wellbeing of the person seeking support.

The Commissioner for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment will first meet with you to listen to your account of what occurred.

If you decide to file a formal complaint, the Commissioner will document your complaint in full. You will then be asked to review the written complaint and make any corrections or clarifications you feel are necessary. Once you confirm that the document accurately reflects your account, you will be asked to sign it for approval.

The Commissioner will then conduct a review and investigation process, which may include:

• Speaking with the person against whom the complaint was filed
• Meeting with any additional individuals or parties considered relevant to the matter
• Collecting other relevant material such as emails, WhatsApp message etc.
• Implementing interim protective measures when necessary

At the conclusion of the review process, the Commissioner will submit a detailed recommendation to the President of the university.

Based on these recommendations, the President may decide to:

• Proceed with disciplinary or formal hearing procedures
• Implement appropriate institutional measures or actions
• Or close the complaint if deemed appropriate following the review process

Beginning in 2024, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev established a dedicated and professional tribunal specifically for handling sexual harassment cases that proceed to disciplinary action.

In proceedings before the tribunal, the University serves as the prosecuting party and appoints a representative prosecutor to present the case.

Cases are heard before a panel of three adjudicators:

• The Head of the Tribunal, who is either a retired judge or a legal professional
• Two additional representatives from the University community, selected according to the roles or affiliations of the complainant and the respondent

For example, if the complaint involves a faculty member accused of harassing a student, the panel may include:

• A representative from the academic staff
• A representative of the student union who is also a licensed attorney

During the proceedings:

• The prosecuting representative presents the complaint, evidence, and witnesses (if applicable)
• The complainant may appear as a witness
• The complainant receives updates and support throughout the process

At the conclusion of the hearing, the tribunal determines:

• Whether sexual harassment occurred
• Under which legal or disciplinary category the conduct falls
• And, if appropriate, what disciplinary measures or sanctions should be imposed on the respondent