Counselling in Cases of Sexual Harassment and Violence

Sexual harrassment refers to "any psychological, physical or verbal behaviour of a sexual nature that is perceived by the person concerned as transgressive, i.e. unwanted and degrading/injurious, or is intended to have this effect".
(Definition from the online handout Sexualised Discrimination and Violence at Universities, Bukof).

Sexual harassment begins where personal boundaries are crossed. It is behaviour with a sexual connotation that is perceived as disrespectful and hurtful, and a profound attack on a person's dignity.

Sexual harassment and violence can be perpetrated with words, gestures or actions and can come from individuals or groups.

Sexual harassment is highly dependent on what is experienced as harassment by the victims themselves. It can also be unintentional if the perpetrator is not sensitive to the boundaries of others. Sexual harassment or violence mostly affects women. However, men as well as trans* and inter* people can also be affected. Many harassments seem casual at first and often start well before physical assaults: with words or through looks or gestures. These assaults always happen without the consent of those affected and can leave them feeling uncomfortable. For example, it can be situations like this:

• You hear sexist jokes.
• Fellow students, teachers or colleagues comment on your appearance and body in an inappropriate way.
• You are stared at suggestively.
• You receive unwanted emails, messages, photos or videos with sexual references.

At FH Aachen, various people and counselling centres can be contacted in cases of harassment and assault. All conversations and consultations are strictly confidential.

The central Equal Opportunity Officer, Stephanie Over, is usually the first point of contact. During counselling, incidents can first be classified, facts can be clarified and initial steps for further action can be planned. It is very important that nothing is done without the consent of the person concerned.

If you are affected, you have the right to be protected from harassment. Important for you to know:

• You are not to blame for any inappropriate behaviour!
• Your feelings are crucial!
• If you feel your boundaries have been violated or the behaviour towards you was not okay, then your gut feeling is correct.
• You can defend yourself against sexual harassment at the university.
• You can get support.

You can also seek professional and confidential support from an external counselling centre.

The counsellors are on your side and will accompany you on your way.

• "Violence against women" helpline 08000 116 016 - around the clock | www.hilfetelefon.de
• "Violence against men" helpline - 0800 123 9900 www.maennerhilfetelefon.de
• The services offered by Rückhalt e.V. are open to all people affected by sexual violence, their relatives and carers from the StädteRegion Aachen.
• At Frauen helfen Frauen e.V. in the StädteRegion Aachen, girls, women and children who have been victims of domestic violence or are threatened by violence can find help and support.
• The organisation Frauen helfen Frauen e.V. , based in Jülich, advises women and girls in cases of domestic and sexual violence in the district of Düren. |
• The Criminal Investigation Department Prevention is available as a contact point for general and specific questions on victim protection, victim support and victim counselling. | Victim Protection | Aachen Police
• The "Heimwegtelefon" (Walk Home Phone) accompanies you home safely at night. | heimwegtelefon.net
• The NO STALK app from WEISSER RING supports victims in taking active and self-determined action against stalking. | nostalk.de
• Hate Aid provides those affected by digital violence with immediate advice and legal support. | Non-profit organisation for human rights online - HateAid