For Those Affected
Together Against Sexual Harassment and Sex Discimination in Science.
If you are affected by sexual harassment, discrimination, or violence, it is important to know that you are not alone and that there are numerous ways to get support in this difficult situation. Our goal is to provide an accessible information source for everyone who faces sexual harassment, discrimination, or violence in the scientific community. We understand the complexity of these challenges and the difficulties you may encounter. That’s why we want to help you find the right support.
forms of sexual harassment
You are not sure whether you are affected?
These are different forms of sexual harassment and violence.
To take action, one must first recognize that what they are experiencing is in fact harassment. The German Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency lists the following examples of verbal, nonverbal, and physical forms in their guide to dealing with sexual harassment at work. Please note that this overview does not claim to be exhaustive but rather presents various examples for illustration.
- Sexually suggestive comments and jokes
- Intrusive and offensive comments about clothing, appearance, or personal life
- Questions with sexual content, for instance about personal life
- Sexually ambiguous comments
- Requests for intimate or sexual acts, such as “Sit on my lap!”
- Intrusive or intimidating stares or suggestive looks
- Whistling, cat-calling
- Unwanted emails, text messages, photos or videos of a sexual nature
- Making inappropriate and intrusive advances on social networking sites
- Posting or distributing pornographic material
- Indecent exposure
- Any unwanted touching (patting, stroking, pinching, hugging, kissing), even if it appears to be accidental.
- Repeated physical proximity, repeated pushing, repeated bumping into, repeated failure to maintain adequate physical distance (approximately an arm’s length).
- Physical violence and any form of sexual assault up to and including r*pe.
Emergency numbers
For immediate support.
If you need immediate support, these emergency numbers are available to you. Both the “Violence Against Women” helpline and the “Violence Against Men” helpline offer anonymous, free, and barrier-free counseling by phone, chat, or email. The “Violence Against Women” helpline is available around the clock and in 18 foreign languages.
- Hotline Violence against Women: 116 016
- www.hilfetelefon.de
- Hotline Violence against Men: 0800 123 99 00
- www.maennerhilfetelefon.de
documentation TEMPLATE
Your safety and well-being come first.
Sexual harassment typically occurs in multiple consecutive situations, which gradually increase in the severity of the assault. Therefore, it is important to document all incidents from the beginning accurately. To assist you, we have created a template that you can download for free through the button.
Contact Points
Selection of Contact Points
If you need additional support beyond the counseling services offered by your university, here you will find an overview of the most important external contact points. All of them have resources to help you in your situation. Note: The transitions between sexualized discrimination and sexualized violence are sometimes fluid. This classification primarily serves as guidance. In any case, you will find a sympathetic ear upon contact and be referred to the appropriate place for you. This overview by no means encompasses all existing support services but is intended to simplify the presentation of important contact points at a glance.
Antidiskriminierungsstelle des bundes
In cases of sex discrimination
What to expect
The German Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency supports people affected by discrimination. It informs about what discrimination is and what can be done against it, conducts scientific studies, and reports to the German Bundestag. Anyone who has experienced discrimination can contact them for advice.
Contact information
Adress
Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes
Glinkastraße 24
10117 Berlin
More information
www.antidiskriminierungsstelle.de
Bundesverband Frauenberatungsstellen und Frauennotrufe
In cases of sexual harassment or violence
What to expect
The Federal Association of Women’s Counseling Centers and Emergency Hotlines – Women Against Violence (bff) is an umbrella organization for women’s counseling centers and emergency hotlines in Germany. It comprises 160 organizations that offer outpatient counseling and assistance to female victims of violence. The project “make it work!” focuses on combating sexualized harassment in the workplace, with a special focus on intersectional perspectives and accessible access. On their website, you can find important information on the topic and search locally for a counseling center near you.
Contact information
Adress
Bundesverband Frauenberatungsstellen und Frauennotrufe
Frauen gegen Gewalt e.V.
Petersburger Straße 94
10247 Berlin
More information
www.frauen-gegen-gewalt.de
Project “make it work”
Weisser ring e.v.
In cases of sexual violence
What to expect
WEISSER RING is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting victims of crime and preventing offenses. The organization offers various types of support to victims, including on-site counseling, phone or online counseling, personal support, accompaniment to official appointments, legal protection, and financial assistance in emergencies. Through the website, you can find contacts in your area. The broad network of volunteer helpers enables extensive support for victims throughout Germany.
Contact information
Adress
WEISSER RING e. V.
Weberstraße 16
55130 Mainz