Fulda University of Applied Sciences supports a culture of looking out, in which all members of the university take joint responsibility and actively counteract sexualised harassment and violence (see also anti-discrimination guideline). To this end, Fulda University of Applied Sciences is committed to protecting those affected and supports an environment of solidarity in which everyone can move and defend themselves without fear.
In the following, we therefore provide recommendations for action as well as points of contact for support and advisory services for affected persons and witnesses of sexualised harassment and violence.
Clarification of terms
Sexualised harassment and violence is characterised by actions that violate the dignity of the affected person, transgress boundaries and are unwanted and non-consensual. Such harassment often occurs in connection with the exercise of power and passing hierarchies and can serve as an instrument for demonstrating superiority. Sexualised harassment and violence takes place in both analogue and digital spaces.
The acts can be verbal, non-verbal or physical. In the university context, this includes (based on the Federal Anti-Discrimination Office):
Verbal
- Sexually suggestive remarks, jokes or ambiguous comments
- Intrusive or offensive comments about appearance or private life
- Questions with sexual content, for example about private life or privacy
- Incitement to intimate or sexual behaviour
- Sexualised or inappropriate invitations to a date
- Threats of violence, persecution or coercion
- Call the police (110) / emergency services (112) and the building supervisor (direct dial number: 150, external: 0661 9640-150).
- Draw attention to yourself and the situation and call for help.
- Have physical injuries treated by a doctor immediately. In addition, you can have your injuries documented in the Fulda outpatient clinic for use in court. After a rape, a confidential forensic examination is also possible without immediate reporting to the police (see below for points of contact).
- Take your own feelings seriously. The person affected defines what is perceived as assaultive or harassing.
- Set clear boundaries. If possible, react directly to the situation.
- Document the incidents (date, time, place, course of the incident and, if applicable, contact details of other people present). Save harassing emails or text messages (e.g. screenshots).
- Do not stay alone and talk to people you trust about what has happened.
- Contact the advisory services and assistance centres at Fulda University of Applied Sciences or external organisations (see list below).
- For employees: Please inform your supervisor about the incident.
- Specific recommendations for action in the event of sexualised harassment on the telephone can be found on the intranet.
- Look out if you observe a sexual assault and make other people aware of the situation.
- Notify the police (110) / the emergency services (112) and the building supervisors (direct dial number: 150 / external: 0661 9640-150).
- Help without putting yourself in danger. Concentrate on the person affected and not on the person committing the violence.
- Make sure that the person affected can leave the location safely and - if necessary - receives medical treatment.
- Provide any further support and assistance that is required and coordinate this with the person concerned.
- Do not ignore border-crossing and abusive behaviour. Support affected fellow students or colleagues.
- Ensure confidentiality and take the incident seriously.
- Encourage the person concerned to seek support and help within or outside the university (see list below).
- Always coordinate further support and help with the person affected.
In case of emergency: Click here for the emergency plan of the Fulda University of Applied Sciences.
Central contact point for those affected at the Fulda University of Applied Sciences. Offers confidential and, if desired, anonymous advisory services and provides information on options for protection and action.
Contact:
antidiskriminierung(at)hs-fulda.de; 0661 9640-9295
Advisory services and support for those affected by sexualised harassment and violence.
Contact:
For professors: anne.walter(at)sk.hs-fulda.de; 0661 9640-482
For employees: birgit.hohmann(at)verw.hs-fulda.de; 0661 9640-9291
Confidential advisory services and help with mental stress situations and crises.
Contact:
psb(at)hs-fulda.de; 0661 9640-1436 (Dr Robin Richter) / 0661 9640-1438 (Katja Ecker)
External help and advice centres:
| Violence against women helpline | Qualified, free and confidential counselling if you are affected by violence. Available around the clock. Multilingual counselling (in 18 languages) and barrier-free (in easy language and in sign language) possible. If necessary, refers to local support services. | 116 016 |
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| Sozialdienst katholischer Frauen Fulda e. V. (SkF): Counselling centre against sexual violence | Counselling services for people affected by sexual violence. Individually tailored support and stabilisation services for traumatisation are available. Counselling is confidential, free of charge and anonymous if desired. | beratunggsg@skf-fulda.de / info@skf-fulda.de; 0661 8394 -15 or 8394 - 10; www.skf-fulda.de/skffulda/03-Gewaltschutz-und-Praevention/03-03-beratungsstelle-gegen-sexuelle-gewalt.php |
| Counselling centre Fuldaer Hilfe e.V., victim and witness support Fulda | Counselling and support services for people who have been affected by a crime or have witnessed it (also in cases of sexualised violence). Counselling is free of charge and confidential, regardless of whether or not criminal charges have been filed. | info@fuldaer-hilfe.de; 0661 90192470; www.fuldaer-hilfe.de |
| Fulda Outpatient Protection Centre | Possibility of documenting violence-related injuries so that they can be used in legal proceedings. If necessary, referral to medical care facilities and other counselling centres. | schutzambulanz@landkreis-fulda.de; 0661 6006-6060; www.schutzambulanz-fulda.de |
| Immediate medical assistance after rape | Acute care and securing medical findings (securing evidence) after a rape (up to three days after the offence). No obligation to report a crime, materials can be stored for one year. | Fulda Hospital:
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