Sexualised discrimination, harassment and violence

One in three women in Germany experiences physical and/or sexualised violence at least once in her life. Women of all ages and backgrounds are affected. Violence is a social problem that does not stop at the gates of universities. In August 2015, the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency published an expert report on sexual harassment in the university context. With regard to empirical data, it states that sexual harassment and violence is a “shockingly normal” experience and regrettably a part of everyday life, especially for women, but also for men who are labelled as “unmanly” or homosexual.

Contacts for those affected by sexualised discrimination

Within the University of Münster

Affected students can reach out to any person whom they trust. These can be staff members working in the following offices:

Principal Equal Opportunity Officer and her deputies

Equal opportunity representatives in the faculties

Student Advice and Counselling Centre (ZSB)

Dean’s offices

Rectorate Representative for Students with a Disability or Chronic Illness

Autonomous Women’s Department managed by the General Students’ Committee (AStA) Münster

We ensure that the affected individuals do not suffer any personal or professional disadvantages and that all steps are taken in agreement with the individual.

Outside the University of Münster:
- Women’s emergency hotline in Münster (counselling office for women and girls impacted by sexualised violence)
  - Tel.: +49 251 34443
  - Women’s emergency hotline in Münster
  - sumt – Telephone service that helps women and girls feel safe on their way home at night in Münster.
  - Luisa is here! Assistance for women in the party scene
- “Violence against Women” help hotline (Federal Office for Familial and Civic Responsibilities)
  - Tel.: 0800 0116016
  - help-hotline
- Victim protection representative of the Münster police department (information and personal counselling for victims of domestic violence, stalking, sex crimes and violent offences)
  - Tel.: +49 251 275-3104
Contacts for those affected by sexualised discrimination

Within the University of Münster

Affected employees can reach out to any person whom they trust. In addition to supervisory staff, these can be colleagues working in the following offices:

Principal Equal Opportunity Officer and her deputies

Equal opportunity representatives in the faculties

Counselling Service for Staff and Management in Conflict-, Addiction- and Health-related Matters

Representative of the Severely Disabled

In-house Medical Service

Staff Council (for academic staff)

Department for non-academic staff (and for academic staff)

Important: You do not have to follow the official channels.

We ensure that the affected individuals do not suffer any personal or professional disadvantages and that all steps are taken in agreement with the individual.

Outside the University of Münster:
- Women’s emergency hotline in Münster (counselling office for women and girls impacted by sexualised violence)
  - Tel.: +49 251 34443
  - Women’s emergency hotline in Münster
  - sumt – Telephone service that helps women and girls feel safe on their way home at night in Münster.
  - Luisa is here! Assistance for women in the party scene
- “Violence against Women” help hotline (Federal Office for Familial and Civic Responsibilities)
  - Tel.: 0800 0116016
  - help-hotline
- Victim protection representative of the Münster police department (information and personal counselling for victims of domestic violence, stalking, sex crimes and violent offences)
  - Tel.: +49 251 275-3104
Cooperative agreement on respectful behaviour at the University of Münster

On the basis of the cooperative agreement on respectful behaviour, which applies to all members of the University of Münster, the University clearly states that it vehemently condemns misconduct such as sexual harassment, bullying, stalking and discrimination, and regards such behaviour as a violation of personal rights. The aim is to ensure a dignified and wholesome working and academic environment. Should such misconduct occur, our message is: Take notice! Report incidents!

View the English version of the “Agreement on Respectful and Cooperative Behaviour” (PDF)

Sexualised discrimination, harassment and violence

Contacts for those affected by sexualised discrimination

Contacts for those affected by sexualised discrimination

Cooperative agreement on respectful behaviour at the University of Münster